🌱 Getting Started with Native Plants
If you’re new to native gardening, here are a few simple steps to begin:
- Assess Your Space – Observe sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels in your yard.
- Choose Native Plants – Select plants based on your region and conditions. Use Biota of North America to check plant suitability.
- Plan Your Layout – Utilize Wild Ones Native Garden Designs for inspiration.
- Source Your Plants – Purchase from a trusted native plant nursery (like Plant It Native!).
- Plant & Maintain – Water during establishment, but let native plants thrive naturally once settled.
🌿 Native Plant Information
These resources help identify native plants, learn about their ecological benefits, and find planting recommendations.
- Biota of North America – Check if a plant is native to your county with this detailed database.
- Landscaping for Biodiversity with Ohio Native Plants – A guide by Cleveland Metroparks on using native plants to enhance biodiversity.
- Cleveland Metroparks Tree Selector Tool – This tool will help guide the selection process of tree species for any tree planting project.
- Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership – A regional resource on native plants and their ecological impact.
- National Wildlife Federation – Certify Your Habitat – Learn how to turn your yard into a certified wildlife habitat.
- Midwest Native Plant Society – A community dedicated to promoting native plants in the Midwest.
- Wild Ones Northeast Ohio Facebook Page – Connect with local native plant enthusiasts, get tips, and join discussions.
- Native Plant Trust – The first plant conservation organization in the U.S., providing education and plant lists.
🌼 Free Garden Designs
These pre-made garden layouts make it easy to plan your own native garden.
- Wild Ones Native Garden Designs – Professionally designed, eco-friendly native garden templates for different regions.
- Native Plants for the Small Yard – A guide by Kate Brandes on how to design small-space native gardens.
📚 Books on Native Plants & Wildlife Gardening
These books provide in-depth knowledge on designing and maintaining native gardens while supporting local ecosystems.
- Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife – By David Mizejewski (Expanded Edition)
- The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden – By Rick Darke & Doug Tallamy
- Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants – By Doug Tallamy (Updated & Expanded Edition)
- Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard – By Doug Tallamy
- The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees – By Doug Tallamy
- Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change – By Larry Weaner & Thomas Christopher
- Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes – By Thomas Rainer & Claudia West
Looking for Native Plants?
Want to start your own native plant garden? Visit us at the Heart of Willoughby Outdoor Market from May to October, or contact us for advice on what to plant in your space!
📩 Reach out for personalized recommendations!