Information on Native Plants
- Doug Tallamy changed how I garden by convincing me that native plants, especially trees, are essential for biodiversity.
- National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder lets you find natives that support birds and pollinators by zip code.
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Tool Box, my go-to plant database.
- North Carolina Native Plant Society, which has excellent guides on what to plant and what to rip out. They also have meetings, plant rescues, seed swaps, and more.
- Pollinator Paradise Garden, an excellent place to visit with many guides on the website created by Debbie Roos. Her workshop on Designing a Pollinator Garden Workshop really helped me plan the garden.
- The Audubon Society suggests native plants based on your zip code. The results show which birds a plant supports.
Where to Get Plants
- Dirtbag Gardens is where Niche Gardens used to be. They have a wonderful selection and knowledgeable staff.
- Field to Cottage Nursery
- Sandy Mush Herb Nursery
- UNC Botanic Garden in Chapel Hill, a top source for plants with splendid display gardens and educational programs. A top source.
- Big Bloomers Flower Farm in Sanford has great prices with a large selection of natives.
- Rachel’s Native Plants opened in the spring of 2023. It’s in at The Plant in Pittsboro. Rachel took over the stock of the beloved Cure Nursery. I’m looking forward to visiting soon.
- JC Raulston Arboretum has a small but increasing number of native plants in its sales
Rain Gardens
- Raleigh’s Rainwater Rewards Program provided funding and valuable technical support for the rain garden. They have great handouts that would be useful wherever you live. Many thanks to Project Manager Justin Harcum.
Other Garden References
- Tree Benefits Calculator offers several tools to help quantify the value of your trees, including carbon sequestration, storm-water runoff mitigation, and more. Interesting for your own use and possibly helpful to persuade your neighbors and friends to welcome trees.