Native plants were here long before lawnmowers, sprinklers and garden chemicals. They have evolved over thousands of years and, as such, have adapted to local conditions. Once established they are low maintenance and do not require care typically associated with gardens. Native perennials build a strong, deep root system before focusing on the production of leaves, stems and flowers, resulting in plants that are sturdy and drought tolerant.

Native plants also benefit us by:

• • providing food and habitat for wildlife,
  • contributing to biodiversity,
  • connecting us to our home places and helping us celebrate the things that make our regions unique,
  • teaching us about the world of nature

And last, but not least, they’re beautiful!

• Backyard Gardening for Nature by Michelle Kalantari (PDF)
• Improving the Environment One Rain Garden at a Time (Article about Marilyn Torkelson’s gardens.  She is president of the Prairie’s Edge Chapter.)

Tips for Native Plant Gardeners

Go to this page to learn about: Matching Your Plants to Your Site, Preparing Your Site, Planting Your Seeds and Seedlings, Maintaining Your Native Garden, Invasive Species

Native Plant Notebook

Go to this page for descriptions and photos of common native plants.  Whenever possible each plant entry lists the caterpillars it is host to, butterflies it supplies nectar to, and the pollinators it attracts.

Tips for Attracting Pollinators

Go to this page to learn which plants are most attractive to pollinators and how you can make your yard a pollinator magnet by following Dave Crawford’s handouts.

Grants to Help Fund a Native Garden

Go to this page for information about the Lawns to Legumes program and funding available from local watershed districts.

Spotlight on Xerces Society

In her presentation on April 22, 2021, Karin Jokela recommended a number of Xerces Society publications:

Habitat Planning for Beneficial Insects

Farming with Soil Life

Buying Bee-Safe Plants

Soil Scouting

Foliage Scouting

Flower Scouting

There are many other valuable publications at the Xerces Society publications library.  Also checkout their YouTube channel.