Just plant and water.
Gardening with native plants is having a moment as more and more people learn about the connection between native plants, critical beneficial insects, creating vital habitat and improving the world. Have you thought about adding native plants but are just not sure how to get started? Or maybe you have a friend who just doesn't have the time to research which plants go where?
Growers of native plants have just the answer. Pre-designed kits, typically perennials for sun or shade, often come with a planting plan making it so easy! These kits are also interesting to someone like me who likes to spend time just thinking about which plants grow with which and where. I love double checking my ideas with the pros -- they know which plants won't out compete each other and grow in similar conditions.
It's encouraging to see more and more kits available. Many come as plug sized plants. If you are new to plugs, check out this information to learn more. Here are the kits I am aware of. If you know of others local to the Chesapeake Watershed, please add below!
Ecoplantia
Ecoplantia, a very new source of native plants, has five pre-planned gardens that come with actual true to size biodegradable templates you can roll out on the ground and use to plant. The easy native plant kits come with plug sized plants, instructions and pins to hold down your template. If you want all natives, go with the "True Natives" option.
Izel Plants
Izel Plants says they had such great success with their mixed plug pollinator kit, they added several more options for shade and meadows this year. Each comes with a 3d model and a schematic for planting. You can see all the kits here.
Garden for Wildlife
The National Wildlife Federation offers eight 'curated gardens' by region including the Mid-Atlantic. Blissful Bees and Monarch Munchables anyone?! Check out the kits here.
If you are reading this, you are likely a bit nutsy for natives yourself. These kits are great for new gardeners, kids and the super busy so please suggest to a friend if the idea of a kit fits!
Happy Gardening.
