These profiles showcase real-world native gardens submitted by Wild Ones members across the country. Each story highlights the ornamental beauty, creativity, and ecological value of native landscaping. Together, they illustrate the full native gardening journey—from first plantings to thriving Certified Native Habitats—offering inspiration and practical ideas for gardeners at every stage.
In the middle of an urban-dominant environment, the home of Wendy Gochenaur provides a small, yet impactful oasis for wildlife to congregate and thrive. With over 95 native plant species, Wendy’s yard provides sanctuary for pollinators, birds and snakes. Continue reading "Member Garden: Wendy Gochenaur"
If there is one thing certain about Susan and Kei Pang, it is that they are serious about being ecologically friendly, from building a new home for themselves, to creating a native landscape that is home to many insects, birds and other animals. Continue reading "Member Garden: Susan and Kei Pang"
From a chemically manicured landscape to a lush, living garden, Courtney Denning and her husband, Kenneth Brunson, have transformed their home and yard into an oasis where they can relax and enjoy nature. Continue reading "Member Garden: Courtney Denning and Kenneth Brunson"
When you’re passionate about something, it’s not work. Just ask Gail and Dick Olson, of Bristol, Virginia. Continue reading "Member Garden Gail and Dick Olson"
Deb and Ray Rees are beginning to see the fruits of their labor in their third year of restoring a small floodplain woodland in Elgin, Illinois. Continue reading "Member Garden: Deb and Ray Rees"
Lawn. Lots and lots of lawn. But that lawn provided Donna Baker-Breningstall “a blank slate” to create the landscape she envisioned after she and her husband purchased a new home. Continue reading "Member Garden: Donna Baker-Breningstall"
Dan Carter’s passion for native plants and natural communities like prairies started in high school. But it has continued to grow and spread, just like the hundreds and hundreds of native plants in his yard. Continue reading "Member Garden: Dan Carter"
For Gail Eichelberger, it’s not about making mistakes. It’s about learning from those mistakes. Continue reading "Member Garden: Gail Eichelberger"
In 2006, Sarah Mann had just moved back to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area and was taking daily walks with her newborn daughter to reacquaint herself with the community and to get some needed exercise. The turnaround spot of one of her regular walks was at Big Bay Park in Whitefish Bay. Continue reading "Member Garden: Sarah Mann"
Nora Bernhardt says she is a citizen scientist at heart. For years, she has taken photos and journaled her observations about native plants, including bloom times and weather patterns. Continue reading "Member Garden: Nora and Bob Bernhardt"