Natural Themes Native Plant Nursery

03/14/2026

🌱 Hundreds of seed trays and plugs are bursting with life — so many native species are now germinating beautifully! From delicate wildflowers to hardy grasses, sedges, trees and shrubs, it’s exciting to watch these tiny seedlings take their first steps toward becoming thriving plants for gardens and restoration projects.

What makes it even more rewarding is that much of this seed was carefully collected by us from local wild populations as well as from established seed populations growing here on the farm and in our nursery. Months after walking fields, wetlands, and forests gathering seed, it’s incredible to see those same seeds waking up and growing into the next generation of plants.

Every tiny sprout represents:
• A step toward healthier ecosystems
• Food and shelter for wildlife
• The future of biodiversity in our region

Soon these seedlings will move into the heated greenhouse and transplanting will begin.

We can’t wait to share these natives with you this season — watch our stories for updates! See our website for a catalogue www.naturalthemes.com

03/02/2026

The Season Begins — 2026 Catalogue Now Posted 🌱
www.naturalthemes.com

We’ve just finished seeding the final species for now, and hundreds of trays and plug flats have moved into warmth for germination in the coming weeks. Seeding will continue throughout the season as new batches are prepared.

Some seedlings will sprout quickly.
Others will take time — and a few may even take multiple years.

Soon we’ll assess winter survival of overwintered stock in cold-frame greenhouses, and outdoors under leaf litter and — currently — a blanket of snow.

Our 2026 catalogue is live on our website and outlines the species we intend to offer this year. We may add a few more, depending on how germination unfolds. We love to grow diversity and never shy away from difficult-to-grow species (and sometimes we have success 🙂🤞).

We’ll be open early May through the end of October, with the exact opening date posted closer to the season. We can also open in April by request.

If sending a pre-order, please be flexible with sizing — not every species will be available in all pot sizes. You can let us know if you prefer smaller, more cost-effective stock or more mature plants.

We’re looking forward to growing with you this season. 🌿

02/25/2026

Come join us at Seedy Saturday in Belleville this coming weekend!

The 2nd annual Seedy Saturday event is on February 28, 2026! Hear from guest speakers, receive expert gardening advice, browse seed and garden vendors, participate in a seed swap!
Admission is free!

01/07/2026

Something exciting is sprouting in Belleville...

Belleville's second annual Seedy Saturday returns on February 28, 2026 at Centennial Secondary School!

This is a free, family-friendly community event all about gardening, sharing seeds, learning together and growing and preserving food at any scale.

You can expect:

🌱 Free seed exchange
🌱 Gardening and food preservation tips and learning opportunities
🌱 Activities for kids
🌱 Local vendors and community groups
🌱 A welcoming space for beginners and experienced gardeners alike

No experience needed. Everyone is welcome!

Save the date - more details coming soon!

Seedy Saturday - Belleville, Ontario

01/07/2026

We loved being part of Seedy Saturday Belleville last year 🌱 So much inspiration from the passionate attendees, knowledgeable exhibitors, engaging learning sessions, and wonderful visitors. Looking forward to this second annual event! We’ll be in the exhibitor area. Mark it in your calendars!

The 2nd annual Seedy Saturday event is on February 28, 2026! Hear from guest speakers, receive expert gardening advice, browse seed and garden vendors, participate in a seed swap!
Admission is free!

01/05/2026

A great opportunity for those interested in learning more about growing native plants from seed!

Are you interested in learning how to harness the power of cold weather to start hardy, vibrant spring plants? Join us for the Snow and Sow Workshop on January 8th. $5 per person. Register now: https://onlineforms.quinteconservation.ca/Events/2025/Winter-Seed-Sowing-Workshop

12/12/2025

Black-capped Chickadees and other resident birds rely on Staghorn Sumac’s bright winter berries for a crucial energy boost when their other food sources are scarce.

11/18/2025

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is a native climbing vine with distinctive heart-shaped leaves. This week we collected its seeds from plants growing here in the nursery propagation area. In summer, the vine produces small, greenish-white flowers that cluster along the stems, later developing into these beautiful three-lobed seed capsules. I’ve always been fascinated by its foliage and the beautiful, three-lobed seed capsules it carries.