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Native Plant Gardening Resource Page

Introduction

Welcome to our native plants page!

Hopewell Valley is home to an enthusiastic and growing community of native plant gardeners, from beginners to “pros.” Luckily, the community also has access to a wide range of resources, suitable for every kind of gardener.

This page offers some topic-based lists and links intended to serve as quick entry points to a variety of these resources. If you prefer to start with more general-purpose recommendations, just skip straight to the Other General Resources section below for information-packed websites you can explore at your leisure.

For those who prefer to start by connecting with an organization that offers a certification or membership program that features specific guidance/resources on native planting and wildlife habitat (and may provide hands-on experience planting natives), we have more than a few in the Hopewell Valley. See Certification/Membership Programs below.

This page is not intended to be exhaustive, and we expect to revise and update it from time to time. Please let us know what you think!

Where to Buy:

Local Retail Native Plant Nurseries and Nonprofits

Traditional Retail Nurseries

Some traditional retail nurseries include a selection of native plants among their other offerings. Ask your favorite nursery if they carry or are willing to carry plants native to our area. For those that offer plants labeled “native,” ask (or research) whether the plant/shrub/tree is actually native to our ecoregion, and not e.g., “native” somewhere else in the country or a hybrid of a native and non-native, such as a European or Asian plant, shrub or tree.

The Native Plant Society of New Jersey (NPSNJ) also provides a select list of traditional retail nurseries that participate with NPSNJ in offering native plants. (See immediately below.)

State-Wide Lists of Native and Traditional Retail Nurseries

The Native Plant Society of New Jersey: Where to Buy Natives provides (1) a listing (with contact information) of 100% native plant nurseries in NJ; and (2) a listing of certain traditional nurseries (“Pollinator Day Garden Centers”) that participate with NPSNJ in providing some carefully labeled straight native species and cultivars, as available.

Native Plant Lists by Condition (What to Plant Where):

Looking for guides/lists showing native plants suited to particular conditions? Here are some resources for planting based on e.g., amount of sun/shade; amount of moisture; clay soil; native groundcovers; deer or rabbit resistant:

Rain Gardens and Water-Wise Gardening:

For guidance on creating a rain garden, or if you are just interested in managing water resources more wisely:

Guidance for Attracting Birds, Bees and Butterflies:

Planting Under Trees:

To help the birds, bees and butterflies that come to your yard, and your yard’s biodiversity, here are a few resources for tree underplanting:

Individual Native Plant Descriptions/Databases:

Note: Native plant nurseries often provide descriptive information and suitable planting conditions on the plant label and/or online.

Information about Invasive Plant Species and Native Alternatives:

Other General Local Resources:

Certification/Membership Programs*:

The three groups below offer opportunities to certify your property, regardless of its size. While the certifications differ, they have in common recognition of the value of native plantings and improved wildlife habitat. Check the relevant links for more information about the certification process, including resources and support provided.

Another type of opportunity is offered by Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space Residential Community Conservation Program, through which residential homeowners, regardless of property size, can join a membership-based partnership and have access to a range of expert guidance and resources for e.g., restoring native plant diversity, identifying and managing invasive species, and improving wildlife habitat.

* May require payment of a membership or other fee.

Books:

All books below are available through the Mercer County Library System.

  • By Douglas W. Tallamy:
    • Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard
    • Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants
    • How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard
    • The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
  • By Rick Darke and Douglas W. Tallamy:
    • The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden 
  • By Frederique Lavoipierre: 
    • Garden Allies: The Insects, Birds & Other Animals That Keep Your Garden Beautiful and Thriving
  • By Sue Reed:
    • Climate-Wise Landscaping: Practical Actions for a Sustainable Future