Supporting Local Native Plant Growers: The Key to Thriving Gardens and Ecosystem
In today’s ecologically tuned world, gardeners and landscapers are embracing sustainability. One effective way to contribute to native ecology is by supporting locally grown native plant growers.
Native plants grown and sourced from your locality add beauty to your garden but also guarantee success since they grow perfectly under the unique conditions of your region. Here’s why native plants from local growers are a game-changer for your garden and the environment.
Why Choose Native Plants?
Native plants are species that have evolved in a specific region over thousands of years, adapting to the soil, climate, and local wildlife. They form the backbone of healthy ecosystems, supporting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. When you choose native plants, you’re cultivating a garden that works in harmony with nature.
However, not all native plants are equal when it comes to your specific location. Plants grown by local nurseries or growers are better suited to your area because they’ve been cultivated under the same conditions they’ll face in your garden.
Top Benefits of Locally Sourced Native Plants
1. Resilience to Local Conditions
Plants grown locally are adapted to the unique climate, soil types, and precipitation patterns in your region. This means they’re more likely to thrive with minimal maintenance, saving you time, water, and effort.
2. Boost Biodiversity
Native plants support local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. When you purchase from local growers, you’re ensuring the species are well-suited to provide the right nectar and habitat for these vital creatures.
3. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Locally sourced plants don’t travel long distances, which reduces transportation emissions. By buying from nearby growers, you’re actively reducing your garden’s environmental impact.
4. Tried and Tested
Local native plant growers have the expertise to recommend the best plants for your area. They know what works—and what doesn’t—because they’ve seen these plants perform in your community over time.
5. Support for Local Economy
Purchasing from local growers keeps your dollars in the community. It helps small businesses flourish and contributes to the local economy, creating jobs and fostering growth.
How to Find Native Plant Growers Near You
Finding native plant growers in your area is easier than ever, thanks to a growing movement toward sustainability. Here are some tips:
Search Online Directories: Use resources like the Native Plant Finder to locate growers in your region.
Visit Farmers’ Markets: Many local nurseries and growers sell plants at farmers’ markets. This is a great way to meet growers face-to-face and get personalized advice.
Check Botanical Gardens and Arboretums: Many gardens partner with local growers or have plant sales that feature native species.
Join Gardening Groups: Local gardening clubs often share recommendations for trusted native plant suppliers.
Tips for Gardening with Native Plants
Start Small – Begin with a few native plants that fit your garden’s conditions. Over time, expand your collection as you gain experience.
Choose the Right Plants – Work with local growers to select plants that match your soil type, sunlight, and moisture levels.
Group Plants Strategically – Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs for easier maintenance and better growth.
Go Organic – Avoid using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm native plants and pollinators.
Make a Difference Today
Supporting local native plant growers is a simple yet powerful way to create a thriving, eco-friendly garden. Locally sourced plants are your ticket to a lush, low-maintenance landscape that supports biodiversity and strengthens your community.
Start your journey toward a sustainable garden today by reaching out to native plant nurseries in your area. Your garden—and the environment—will thank you.
Delaware:
Here’s a list of native plant growers and resources in Delaware that focus on locally sourced and sustainable plants, perfect for supporting native biodiversity and ecological gardening:
Inland Bays Garden Center– 38320 Muddy Neck Rd, Frankford, DE
Specializes in native and non-invasive plants suited to the coastal environment, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses. They also offer educational workshops and are committed to restoring local habitats.
Delaware Native Plant Society – Multiple locations across Delaware
Aims to preserve and promote native plants through community education and seed exchange programs. Their nursery features a variety of species native to Delaware.
Provides a wide range of native plants at their garden stores and seasonal plant sales. Their efforts promote pollinator-friendly gardens and sustainable landscaping.
Mt. Cuba Center – Hockessin, DE
While not exclusively a plant nursery, this botanical garden offers native plants for purchase during events and supports the conservation of regional biodiversity. They conduct research on native plant performance.
5. Brighton Gardens – Middletown, DE
A family-owned nursery offering a wide variety of native plants that thrive in the Mid-Atlantic region. They provide guidance on sustainable gardening techniques.
These growers emphasize the benefits of locally sourced plants, which are adapted to Delaware’s climate and soil, support pollinators, and reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Whether you’re starting a native garden or looking to enhance an existing one, these resources offer plants that are both environmentally beneficial and beautiful.
Maryland:
Following is a list of native plant growers and nurseries in Maryland that specialize in locally sourced and ecologically beneficial plants:
Herring Run Nursery – Learn more about Herring Run Nursery
The Baltimore nursery is a part of Blue Water Baltimore and has a well-rounded collection of native plants for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Its catalog includes perennials, shrubs, and trees that are exceptionally compatible with the ecological environment of Maryland.
Learn more about Herring Run Nursery .
Delmarva Native Plants – Visit Delmarva Native Plants
This Eastern Shore nursery specializes in plants for habitat restoration and living shoreline projects, focusing on wetland and upland native species. Plants are propagated from local provenance seeds to ensure maximum ecological benefit. Wholesale plants are seasonally available at Inland Bays Garden Center, Delaware Botanic Gardens, and Adkins Arboretum
Chesapeake Natives Inc. – Explore Chesapeake Natives.
This Upper Marlboro-based nonprofit seeks to educate about and promote the use of native plants in landscape design to restore biodiversity. All plants are propagated from locally collected seeds to preserve regional genotypes.
Kollar Nursery – Discover Kollar Nursery
Kollar Nursery, based in Pylesville, propagates a wide range of native wildflowers, trees and shrubs, and is happy to provide expert advice to gardeners. They specialize in ecological landscaping focusing on the propagation of unusual and rare, declining native species.
Learn about Kollar Nursery
Green Landing Nursery – Visit Green Landing Nursery
This nursery, located in Upper Marlboro, works with other programs such as the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Stocking a range of native trees and plants that suit both urban and natural landscapes.
Check out Green Landing Nursery.
These nurseries are just a great first step in finding native plants perfect for Maryland’s ecosystems. You help further the cause of the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable gardening when you show them your support.
Pennsylvania:
list of reputable native plant growers and nurseries in Pennsylvania known for offering locally sourced, ecologically beneficial plants:
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Redbud Native Plant Nursery (Media, PA) – Website
Specializes in native plants of the Delaware Valley, including perennials, trees, and shrubs.
Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery (Orefield, PA) – Website
Offers a wide variety of native plants and emphasizes ecological landscaping.
Pinelands Nursery (Columbus, NJ, but serves Pennsylvania) – Website
Focuses on plants for ecological restoration and habitat creation.
Central Pennsylvania
Meadowood Native Plant Nursery (Hummelstown, PA) – Website
Features a large selection of Pennsylvania native plants for gardens and restoration projects.
Go Native Tree Farm (Lancaster, PA) – Website
Specializes in native trees and shrubs grown from local seed sources.
Western Pennsylvania
Enright Urban Ecovillage Nursery (Pittsburgh, PA) – Website
Focuses on native plants for urban gardening and ecological restoration projects.
North Creek Nurseries (Landenberg, PA) – Website
Wholesale nursery is committed to providing plants for ecological restoration and native landscapes.
Statewide
Pennsylvania Native Plant Society Resources – Website
Lists nurseries and growers across the state specializing in natives.
Nature’s Way Nursery (Harrisburg, PA) – Website
Provides a range of native plants, compost, and soil amendments for sustainable gardening.
Ernst Conservation Seeds (Meadville, PA) – Website
Supplies seeds and plugs for native grasses, wildflowers, and restoration projects.
Virginia:
Enjoy this curated list of native plant growers and nurseries in Virginia specializing in locally sourced, ecologically beneficial plants:
Northern Virginia
Earth Sangha Wild Plant Nursery (Springfield, VA) Website
Focuses on propagating native plants from local, wild-collected seeds to ensure ecological integrity.
Nature By Design (Alexandria, VA) Website
Offers a wide variety of Virginia native plants, including perennials, shrubs, and trees.
Watermark Woods (Hamilton, VA) Website
A small, family-run nursery specializing in native plants for pollinator gardens and habitat creation.
Central Virginia
Virginia Native Plant Society Plant Sales (Various Locations) Website
Hosts plant sales featuring native plant growers from across the state.
Reynolds Native Plant Nursery (Scottsville, VA) Website
Specializes in native perennials, shrubs, and trees for ecological landscaping.
Hill House Farm and Nursery (Castleton, VA) Website
Focuses on native plants of the Piedmont region and beyond, grown from locally sourced seeds.
Eastern Virginia
Chesapeake Native Plant Center (Chesapeake, VA) Website
Provides plants suited to the unique coastal and Tidewater ecosystems.
Ingleside Native Nursery (Charles City, VA) Website
Offers native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants for restoration and landscaping.
Western and Southwestern Virginia
Meadowview Biological Research Station (Woodford, VA) Website
Dedicated to restoring and cultivating native wetlands and carnivorous plants.
Glorious Gardens (Elkton, VA) Website
Offers a selection of native perennials, trees, and shrubs for sustainable landscaping.
Statewide Resources
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (Native Plant Finder) Website
Lists native plant growers and resources across Virginia.
Ernst Conservation Seeds (Serves Virginia from Meadville, PA) Website
Provides seeds and plugs for native grasses and wildflowers for restoration projects.
New Jersey:
Looking for native plant growers and nurseries in New Jersey? These growers specialize in locally sourced, ecologically beneficial plants:
Northern New Jersey
Wild Ridge Plants (Alpha, NJ) Website
Grows native plants from local seed sources, emphasizing ecological restoration and habitat creation.
Toadshade Wildflower Farm (Frenchtown, NJ) Website
Offers a wide variety of native perennials, shrubs, and trees grown from locally collected seeds.
Central New Jersey
D&R Greenway Land Trust Native Plant Nursery (Princeton, NJ) Website
Focuses on native plants for pollinators and ecological restoration, with seasonal plant sales.
Pinelands Nursery (Columbus, NJ) Website
Specializes in plants for ecological restoration and habitat creation, particularly in wetland areas.
Earth First Native Plant Nursery (Burlington, NJ) Website
Provides a wide variety of locally sourced native plants for landscaping and restoration projects.
Southern New Jersey
Cape May Plant Materials Center (Cape May Courthouse, NJ) Website
Provides native plant materials for habitat restoration and conservation projects.
South Jersey Natives (Southampton, NJ) Website
Specializes in providing native plants for pollinator gardens and ecological landscaping.
Pine Barrens Native Plants (Tabernacle, NJ) Website
Focuses on plants native to the Pine Barrens ecosystem.
Statewide Resources
New Jersey Native Plant Society Website
Offers a directory of native plant nurseries and resources throughout the state.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (New Hope, PA, serves NJ) Website
Provides a wide variety of native plants for the Delaware Valley region, including New Jersey.
