Starting a Native Plant Garden

Reach out to your local Master Gardener group or horticultural society for their suggestions on native plants for your garden. There is no reason to feel alone when starting a new native plant garden. Check the resources section for more information.

Do you have full sun, part-sun, dappled shade, full shade? Figuring out the light conditions on your property is critical for plant selection. Take the time to assess your light conditions at various points during the growing season. Light can change as trees leaf out and perennials mature.

What type of soil do you have? Sandy, loamy, clay? What's the pH? Are there NPK deficiencies? A $20 soil test is your friend. Different plants will grow best in specific soils. Set yourself up for success by doing a little research on which plants will do best in your soil.

Most of us plant in springtime, but that is not always the best time. In Zone 6b, fall is a fantastic time to plant. Determining what you're planting and how you're planting (seedling? seed? established plant?) will help you figure out WHEN is the best time to plant.

There are hundreds of gardening tools available. You don't need them all. Start with a shovel, trowel, pruners and some gardening gloves. And then go from there. There are many products on the market that may not be necessary. And, when possible, buy second-hand tools. 

You should start small. Choose a small area and 1-2 plants. See how it goes. There is no need to do everything all at once. Be patient with yourself. You'll get there. The garden will be ready when you are.

White Trillium

Blue-stemmed Goldenrod

Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)

New England Aster

Bottle Gentian

Butterfly Weed 

Scarlett Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Lance-leafed Coreopsis

Dense Blazing Star (Liatris)

Culver's Root

Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Bloodroot