Free Native Plant Seed!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
It's important to note that you will receive approximately 10 seeds of each native plant species - a total of 40-50 seeds.
While we would love more than anything to assist land-owners convert an acreage, we do not have the financial bandwidth to do so. Landowers, seek out assistance from a state university, the Department of Natural Resources, and federal and state programs that can assist you in conservation efforts. There are many programs that provide resources for conservation efforts.
Pollinators, such as monarch butterflies, managed honey bee colonies, bumble bee species, are experiencing declines because of habitat loss due to agriculture and development, the spread of disease, overuse of pesticides and other factors. Declines of pollinator populations put the health of our ecosystems at risk.
We can all help bees, butterflies, and other pollinators across landscapes through habitat restoration, habitat management and protection from pesticides. Habitat can include yards, gardens, parks, planting on farms and more. Vegetation management of roadsides is also a conservation opportunity for pollinators that are greatly in need of quality habitat in order to survive.
Our pollinators are facing great dangers that threaten their very existence. You can make a difference, even if you have just one small garden area. Not only plant native plants in the conditions they prefer, also provide a water source, establish continuous bloom throughout the growing season from spring to fall using different species of native plants, eliminate or reduce the use of pesticides.
Remember, the actions you take today and during your lifetime have a direct correlation on the health of our environment for future generations to come!
Please contact us for free native plant seed! In the packet, we provide instructions for planting and descriptors of the plants.
You can either pick it up when you purchase honey products, or I can send seed to you. If we will be sending you seed, please provide your mailing address in the contact form.
Please take time today to make a difference!
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the plant that often comes to mind when we hear the word "milkweed." The upright form and large oval leaves have a bold, architectural effect that contrasts so well with prairie grasses and numerous prairie wildflowers. This familiar milkweed thrives in almost any well-drained soil, and produces a profusion of lavender to pink flowers in midsummer. The extremely fragrant blooms attract and benefit many pollinators. This is one of the easiest and fastest to establish of the milkweeds, as it spreads rapidly by rhizomes and grows readily from seed.
Common Milkweed is a host plant for Monarch butterflies. Monarchs lay their eggs only on plants in the Asclepias genus, otherwise known as milkweeds. These plants help support and counter the increasing threats to a declining Monarch butterfly population.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple Coneflower blooms profusely for up to two months in mid to late summer and sometimes re-blooms in the fall. Perfect for both small gardens and large prairie meadows, the showy flowers are a favorite nectar source for butterflies, bees and myriad pollinators, including hummingbirds. In late summer the large seed heads attract Goldfinches and other birds. Easy to grow, Echinacea purpurea prefers full to partial sun and medium soil conditions. Growth is best in fertile loam, but it will tolerate clay or dryer conditions. It is somewhat drought resistant, but the entire plant may wilt if the soil becomes too dry in strong sunlight. Uncommon in the wild, it is readily available commercially, and the seed is often used in land restoration.
Native Americans have recognized the medicinal value of Echinacea for centuries. Today, the plants are widely used, in supplements and herbal teas, for their numerous health benefits.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Long-lasting, bright orange flowers and a low mounded profile make Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) one of the most popular milkweeds. True to its name, Butterfly Weed attracts legions of butterflies and is an important host plant for Monarch and Queen butterflies. Unusual among milkweeds, its leaves are alternate and it lacks the typical milky sap.
In an ideal location, a mature Butterflyweed can become a very showy specimen, with multiple flowering stems spreading across a two foot high plant. Mature plants have a deep tap root that extends down a foot or more. They can be transplanted if dug carefully, during dormancy. This rugged species thrives in sunny locations, in dry sandy soil or well-drained loam.
Other common names include Pleurisy Root, Butterfly Milkweed and Orange Milkweed.
Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya)
Prairie Blazing Star is an iconic prairie flower with a spectacular spike of tightly bunched lavender flowers. The lavender tufted flowers begin blooming at the top and work their way down the single stem.
Liatris pycnostachya grows well in both moist soils and in clay. Good plant growth requires both sun and adequate moisture. Dry conditions can cause leaf loss and too little sun may cause twisted growth. Blooming July through August it is excellent in perennial borders, prairie gardens or naturalized areas. It looks great with other natives including Purple Coneflower, Royal Catchfly, Rudbeckia triloba, Rattlesnake Master, Wild Quinine and prairie grasses in formal or naturalized settings.
Popular with the pollinators, butterflies, bees and hummingbirds are all likely to visit Prairie Blazing Star.
Lavender Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
The bright purple flowers and textured foliage of Lavender Hyssop are popular in sunny pollinator gardens, and herb gardens as well. Lavender flower spikes up to 6" long persist for 2 months. The crushed leaves have a fragrance of mint and licorice and can be used to make herbal teas, or dried for use in pot pourri. The seeds can be used as an alternative to poppy seeds in baking.
Also known as Giant Blue Hyssop or Anise Hyssop, this upright, clump-forming perennial of the mint family is typically found in dry upland forest edges and fields. While it is not drought tolerant, it does fares better in dry conditions than many other members of the mint family. Plants will self-seed readily, with success in well-drained soils.
Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds all seek nectar from the long-blooming flower spikes, which offer a rich source of nectar all summer long.