Blog
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Benefits of Native Plants
Native plants are well-adapted to local conditions, especially if they are local ecotypes. Natives are an integral part of the natural ecosystem and play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of our environment. These plants have evolved over time to thrive in specific climate and soil conditions, making them well-suited for the regions in which they grow.
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Native Alternatives to Exotic Trees, Shrubs and Vines
Many gardeners and landscapers are drawn to the unique beauty and variety of non-native plants, but the use of these exotic species can have negative impacts on local ecosystems. As awareness grows about the importance of conservation and protecting native species, more and more people are looking for alternative options that still provide a diverse and beautiful landscape. In this post, we will introduce you to some of the best native tree, shrub and vine alternatives to common non-natives.
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Planning Your Garden
Good gardens begin with design, and great plants! Basic design and planning are the framework upon which everything else depends.
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Native Plant Grants
Are you a homeowner, community organizer or municipal civil servant looking to fund a planting project in the Midwest? Are you planning a native garden, or would like organize a tree planting in your neighborhood? We are excited to present this resource to make that effort a little bit easier, with this compilation of local, regional (Midwest) and national grants relevant to urban forestry, native garden projects and more. -
Sign Up For Our Newsletter!!
We're starting a newsletter! Starting in January we'll be sending updates on availability of online and retail native plants, in-person plant sales, planting tips, happenings on the farm and so much more! Sign up today! -
Fall planting before winter grips us
Though we’re late into the year and winter is creeping into view, it is never too early (or too late) to plant for next year. The soil is still a bit warm and it’s not frozen quite yet, which makes for perfect dormant tree and shrub planting.
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Big News! We are now offering bulbs in our Online Store!
We are pleased to announce we are now making Michigan Lily (Lilium michiganense) bulbs available for purchase online!
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Native Plant Sale Pop Up at Possibility Place Nursery
By popular demand, Possibility Place Nursery will be hosting its first ever in person native plant sale!
Join us on Friday August 26th, and Saturday August 27th at our nursery and farm in Monee, IL where you'll be able to select and purchase dozens of native perennial, tree and shrub species.
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Oaks Grow Slowly...NOT!
We recieved a call just the other day from a person looking for for a "fast growing" tree and that a smaller starter plant would be preferred. I offered up a Quercus muehlenbergii (Chinquapin Oak) and ran down the list of superlatives that made it why I'd plant that for his needs other than many others that might work for him. I was stopped half way through; "Woah, woah, woah. Oak trees don't grow fast. They're oaks. They grow slow. I want a sugar maple." After a brief exchange, I was left thinking about why people continue to think oaks grow slowly. So I thought I would post a very quick note.
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Creating Color in the Shade with Native Plants
For many, creating a colorful landscape in the shade can be a challenge. Typical options are often limited to hostas, hostas, and more hostas! While hostas certainly can serve a purpose filling in the north side of a garage or hugging a tree, they don’t offer much to enrich the color or texture of a landscape. Native plants offer a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors that thrive in the shade. You can create a rich, layered, textured garden that offers color throughout the growing season while creating a healthy ecosystem for birds and insects by choosing from these native shade-lovers.
