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.
When Carol and Bob Niendorf purchased their home in 1987, there was minimal landscaping. Basically just two pines and three birch trees surrounded their home that was carved out of a 160-acre farm dating back to 1850. Continue reading "Member Garden: Carol and Bob Niendorf"
Todd Crail knows you don’t need a big to make a big impact. Crail of Toledo, Ohio, has only one-fifth acre city lot, but that lot, named the Metal House Farm and Preserve, is brimming with gardens that represent different communities of plants, as well as food gardens, chickens and just enough turf grass to […] Continue reading "Member Garden: Todd Crail"
Since 1972, it has been a work in progress. But in that time Ken and Judy Sikora, of Howard, Wisconsin, have transformed their yard once filled mainly with grass into a private nature preserve. Continue reading "Member Garden: Ken and Judy Sikora"
Starting from scratch took on new meaning for Kathy McDonald when she downsized and moved to an older home five years ago. Continue reading "Member Garden: Kathy McDonald"
When Dennis Nagan became ill with severe systemic rheumatoid rthritis, he could no longer get to boats or take long drives to north” anymore. So he brought “up north” to his backyard in Appleton, Wisconsin. Continue reading "Member Garden: Dennis Nagan"
In 1979, Margy Terpstra designed a garden for hummingbirds at their first home, hoping to attract the small, colorful bird to their yard. But she got more than hummingbirds. “The more birds I saw in the es, the more I wanted to learn about them,” she recalled. “Dan gave me a good pair of binoculars […] Continue reading "Member Garden: Margy and Dan Terpstra"
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