Natural Communities - Native Plant Knowhow Q&A Blog

Don't Forget the Grasses!
Some evidence is showing the abundance of grasses and sedges is super important for native bee conservation! Why? They have fine roots and they begin to build up the organic...
Don't Forget the Grasses!
Some evidence is showing the abundance of grasses and sedges is super important for native bee conservation! Why? They have fine roots and they begin to build up the organic...

Wildflowers Ain't What They Used To Be!!!
Wildflowers Ain't What They Used To Be! Well, why not? Before European settlement, all wildflowers were native wildflowers (or at least 99%). When Europeans settled they brought along their indigenous plants with them...
Wildflowers Ain't What They Used To Be!!!
Wildflowers Ain't What They Used To Be! Well, why not? Before European settlement, all wildflowers were native wildflowers (or at least 99%). When Europeans settled they brought along their indigenous plants with them...

Native Trees are the Best
I have recently seen several articles touting trees such as Bradford Pear and European black alder as easy to grow options for your yard. They are correct. What?????? Well they...
Native Trees are the Best
I have recently seen several articles touting trees such as Bradford Pear and European black alder as easy to grow options for your yard. They are correct. What?????? Well they...
Your Native Landscape, A Family Project
I had the opportunity to prepare and plant a small native garden with my four-year-old daughter this Labor Day. It was the most fun that I had in a long...
Your Native Landscape, A Family Project
I had the opportunity to prepare and plant a small native garden with my four-year-old daughter this Labor Day. It was the most fun that I had in a long...

Container & Urban Native Gardens
Question: I have a roof top deck with planters in Chicago. Do you have any native plants that will work in this urban environment? Answer: Laurie, yes I believe...
Container & Urban Native Gardens
Question: I have a roof top deck with planters in Chicago. Do you have any native plants that will work in this urban environment? Answer: Laurie, yes I believe...
Plant Milkweed in the Fall?
Native Plant Conosoure: Hi! I was wondering if milkweed plugs can be planted in the fall, before the first freeze. Thanks! Natural Communities: I would say yes, with one caveat....
Plant Milkweed in the Fall?
Native Plant Conosoure: Hi! I was wondering if milkweed plugs can be planted in the fall, before the first freeze. Thanks! Natural Communities: I would say yes, with one caveat....