Here's a good list of native plant nurseries by state (check the three 'sticky' threads).

Here is a link that might be useful: Native Plant Nurseries

Great website source, northeastwisc. Thanks. I particularly liked the "winter sowing" part, mostly because the GW WS forum seldom has natives. Maybe I will join this group...but I already spend entirely too much time on the internet as it is. So much information! What to do???

"Maybe I will join this group...but I already spend entirely too much time on the internet as it is. So much information! What to do???"

I know what you mean. But I can't help myself. :)

That website is relatively new, but I like their focus. A very pro-nature philosophy. Their mission statement seems to be something that they try to live up to. It's kind of like this forum on steroids, so I try to spend some time on both.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mission Statement

northeastwisc,

Thanks for the other link--I noticed a few more PA nurseries that weren't listed in my link. Also, now there is another forum for me to check out.

Thanks,

David

I am familiar with this site, too, and can highly recommend it. http://www.wildlifegardeners.org/forum/index.php?referrerid=485

I particularly liked the "winter sowing" part, mostly because the GW WS forum seldom has natives.

I am in my 3rd year WSing and participating on the WSing forum, and in the first 2 years successfully germinated 65 North American natives from seed using Trudi's WSing method. Most are perennial and have been successfully established so far (but a few have died off).

This year I've sown 2 native trees and 1 native shrub so far, in a milk jug and salad boxes. The first ever attempt to sprout trees and I am very excited, even if I don't really have any place to plant more trees! :)

Consider starting some native plants from seed, as this gives you the opportunity to grow a wide selection of plants that may be difficult (and expensive) to find in nurseries.

terrene,

Thank you for sharing. I love your enthusiasm.

This fall I collected some seeds from some of the native flowers I've added to my yard. Instead of just sowing in the yard and settling for the few that germinate, I will sow them and have tons of young plants to use in the landscape. I'll check out the site for more inspiration and information.

Up until now, I have just been spotting first-year tree seedlings and moving those that are in the 'wrong' spot. So far, I potted two sycamore seedlings and will put them in my 'soon-to-be' woods when they are a bit bigger. I've transplanted some quaking aspen seedlings for two years now. Luckily, I've been able to leave the serviceberry and elderberry where they sprouted.

Thanks again for sharing.

David

Hi David, thanks for the kind words, and glad you enjoy the enthusiasm! I love native plants, but do grow a lot of non-natives too (as long as they're not invasive). Natives plants make me feel more connected to the local ecosystem.

I've got a few interesting seedlings that have planted themselves in the back yard too. And a couple years ago I planted about 100 native shrub and tree seedlings purchased from the New Hampshire state nursery, which is a great source for native seedlings. Many are still in holding beds and I'm not quite sure where they will be planted out - let alone the seeds that will hopefully sprout next Spring!

The Elderberries grew particularly fast and were the first of the seedlings to flower this year (and they are also engulfing the plants next to them and need to be moved). They produced many large clumps of purple fruit. I enjoyed watching assorted birds lurk around in these bushes for months, eating them at their leisure. Here's a pic of Cedar Waxwings, eating the last bit of shrively fruit in November -

{{gwi:1069989}}

I wouldn't be surprised if you know about one or both of these, but in case they're new ideas for you:

Bowman's Wildflower Preserve (they're not showing 2010 info yet, but have had sales the other years I've looked):
http://www.bhwp.org

NJ Audubon Native Plant Sales (PA may have the equivalent)
http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionBackyardHabitat/WildlifePlantsforSale.aspx

I've bought at both Bowman's and one Audubon center and have been happy with the plants at both.

I also sometimes find more native plants than at a typical nursery at Master Gardener and arboretum sales.

The season's first native plant function will be held March 27 at the National Arboretum in DC. I go every year. This is the Lahr Symposium and this year it is better than ever. There is also a plant sale which is free and open to the public.

Here is a link that might be useful: March 27 Lahr Symposium

Over the past couple of years I have assembled an 8 page list of mail order northeast North American biome native plant nurseries and retail establishments who will ship plant materials. (Some do sell exotics.) From all my looking I think this is the most comprehensive grouping youÂll find.

While one should support their local plant material suppliers I put this together because of the small number of easily accessible natives nurseries in the northeast. Folks concerned about genotype will find suppliers from closer to you on this list. IÂm in the community of Jamaica Plain in Boston and we're less concerned about conservation grade genotype.

I have this list in a PDF and can make it available to folks, but I'm not sure how to do this other than to share it via email. My email is aihrer@gmail.com drop me a note and I'll forward it along. (My computer is kept very clean of viruses etc. and please don't spam me.)

In the future IÂll be putting together a list of northeast North American natives nurseries who donÂt ship. If you have one(s) youÂd like on the list, then please let me know. Or if you have information you think should be on these lists let me know. I donÂt make money off this in any way; itÂs just a hobby to keep me busy during our long dark cold winter nights.

Allan
aihrer@gmail.com

terrene,

Sorry it has taken so long for me to resond. I blame eshore21814 and northeastwisc for getting me hooked on the wildlife gardeners site. After a slow winter, things seem to becoming more active here again.

Luckily there are several full grown elderberries on the property we purchased over 2 years ago. I love them and want to put more in our hedgerow where they can be viewed from a window. So far ours are in the lower lot 'woodland'.

I'd love to be able to view the birds it attracts. Thanks, you just gave me an idea about what to plant to replace a Japanese honeysuckle at the edge of our property.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks to all who replied. Thanks for the suggestions.

Loris,

Yes, I am familiar with Bowman's Hill...but, I'll check out the NJ site and/or see if there is an equivalent PA site. Also, now that I'm closer, I'll try to make another visit to Bowman's Hill.

sam_md,

Thanks for the DC event link, looks like I missed it--kind of far for me anyway. :)

Allan,

Thank you for your generous offer. I'll try to send out an e-mail very soon.

Thanks again to all.