Native Plant Nursery

06/18/2026

I was so happy she didn't fly away and I was able to get this photo! Beautiful Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on my Magnolia tree that I'm trying to grow. This is a female butterfly as females have the blue color on their tails.



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06/17/2026

𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐭 (𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐚 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐚) is a native wildflower in the mint family that brings color, fragrance, and pollinator activity to summer landscapes. Growing 2–3 feet tall, this annual or short-lived perennial produces multiple upright stems topped with distinctive tiers of lavender-pink tubular flowers surrounded by showy purple-tinged bracts. Its lance-shaped leaves release a refreshing lemon scent when crushed, making it one of the most aromatic native wildflowers found in open fields and meadows.

Blooming from June through August, Lemon Mint thrives in sunny locations and adapts well to prairies, roadsides, streambanks, and other open habitats. The nectar-rich flowers attract an impressive variety of pollinators, including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent addition to wildlife gardens and restoration projects. In Tennessee, it is often appreciated for its ability to establish quickly from seed and provide a colorful display while supporting beneficial insects throughout the growing season.

Beyond its beauty, Lemon Mint offers several practical benefits. The lemon-flavored leaves can be used in teas and culinary dishes, while the plant's naturally occurring citronellal compounds have been used as an insect repellent. It readily self-sows, helping maintain populations from year to year, and is frequently used in native plant gardens, pollinator habitats, and erosion-control plantings. With its long bloom period, delightful fragrance, and exceptional wildlife value, Lemon Mint is a rewarding native species for gardeners seeking both beauty and ecological benefits.

06/16/2026

Looking to bring a little magic into your garden this summer? 🌟 It’s prime time for !

As NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers and passionate gardeners, we LOVE diving into the why and how of nature. Dr. Clyde Sorenson, an entomologist at NC State, shares some incredible insights in this Homegrown feature.

WATCH ➡️ go.ncsu.edu/secret-of-fireflies

(OR homegrown.extension.ncsu.edu/2021/06/17/discover-the-secret-science-of-fireflies)

Want to encourage more of these glowing beneficial insects?

🍃 Leave the leaves: firefly larvae love moist leaf litter and undisturbed soil.

💡 Turn off outdoor lights: artificial light can disrupt their complex flashing communication patterns.

🌲 Provide a healthy landscape: incorporating native plants gives them plenty of places to rest and signal.

📸 credit: Matt Bertone, NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic

06/16/2026

Do you want to support moths? You can start with native plants! 😊

While butterflies often get the spotlight, moth are some of our most important (and overlooked) pollinators. Their caterpillars also provide food for birds and support healthy ecosystems.

Native trees and plants like the ones on the list can become nurseries and food sources for hundreds of moth species.

Plant native! ❤️

06/16/2026

Native Wildflower Spotlight:
Coreopsis major (Greater Tickseed)

Coreopsis major, or Greater Tickseed, is a native wildflower that brings sunny charm to southeastern meadows and woodland edges. Though often overshadowed by its more widespread cousin Coreopsis lanceolata, this perennial deserves a spotlight in native plantings across its range.

🌿 Wildlife & Ecological Value:
~Attracts native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators seeking nectar and pollen.
~Seeds are a minor food source for songbirds in late summer and fall.
~Dense foliage offers habitat structure for insects and ground-dwelling wildlife.

🌿 Landscape Value:
~Upright perennial growing 2–3 feet tall, with sturdy, slightly hairy stems.
~Bright yellow daisy-like flowers bloom from late spring through summer.
~Prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in a wide range of soil types, from loam to sandy or rocky ground.
~Excellent for naturalistic plantings, wildflower borders, cottage gardens, and roadsides.
~Tolerates drought once established and provides long-lasting color with minimal care.

💚 Gardening & Conservation Notes:
~Greater Tickseed is easy to grow and beneficial in native plantings designed for pollinators or habitat restoration. It can be grown from seed or division and naturalizes readily in sunny sites. Like other Coreopsis species, its name "tickseed" comes from the resemblance of its seeds to tiny brown ticks.

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

Bee Balm, also known as Wild Bergamot, botanical name of Monarda fistulosa is a flowering shrub native to most of the United States and parts of Canada. Blooms these beautiful lavender flowers in the spring and summer. The plant usually starts blooming the second year. There are also other bee balm natives like Scarlet Bee Balm, Spotted Bee Balm, and Lemon Bee Balm. It can get about 4 ft tall but plant needs to be pruned regularly to maintain the shrub appearance and for more blooms, tends to get leggy if not pruned consistently.



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06/14/2026

Thank you to all who came to my sale today. I really appreciate everyone. When I feel like giving up, you guys always show back up, it's awesome! It feels great telling everyone about native plants while helping the pollinators at the same time.☺️🦋🐝 Enjoy your plants and feel free to message or call me anytime!