Bella Jardins Boutique

05/25/2026

Wishing a meaningful Memorial Day to everyone.

05/17/2026

Plant Pick Up Post 05/16

Hello, my friends! How's everyone doing on this fine Saturday? I spent my day doing errands and, most importantly, finalizing the plant order that my favorite native plant supplier is going to deliver to me! I'm getting lots of plants for restocking and some new natives for you. The order is getting delivered to me on Friday, May 29th. I updated the inventory so you can go ahead and place your orders, but please keep in mind that the plants on this list won't be delivered to you until after the 29th....

Hello, my friends! How’s everyone doing on this fine Saturday? I spent my day doing errands and, most importantly, finalizing the plant order that my favorite native plant supplier is going t…

05/13/2026

Good info about the invasive Mimosa tree.

05/12/2026

💚💚💚

05/12/2026

I'll have some of these in stock in a couple of weeks. Link to its Garden Shop page in comments. Go get on its waitlist!

Native Tree Spotlight:
Southern Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides)

Also called Cigar Tree or Indian Bean Tree, this Southeastern native is known for its bold personality...from its massive heart-shaped leaves to its showy, orchid-like white flowers and long bean-like seed pods. It’s fast-growing, distinctive, and full of ecological and cultural value.

🌿 Ecological Value & Wildlife Associations:
~Host plant to the Catalpa Sphinx Moth, whose larvae (catalpa worms) are famously used as fishing bait
~Flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies
~Seed pods provide winter interest and are eaten by wildlife
~Older trees often have hollow cavities, providing nesting spots for birds and small mammals

🌿 Landscape Value:
~Medium-sized tree, typically 30–50 ft tall
~Leaves are very large, up to 12 inches long, providing bold texture
~Trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in late spring .... white with yellow and purple markings
~Prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, but adaptable to various conditions
~Adds shade and character to wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, and riparian edges

💚 Historical & Cultural Uses:
~Catalpa worms were historically collected and sold as fish bait across the Southeast
~The wood, while soft, is resistant to rot and has been used for fence posts and rails
~The tree has been planted traditionally near fishing camps and homesteads for easy bait access

05/05/2026

I love this little tree! Its leaves really do look like parsley.

I have three 3-gallon size in stock, $20. Link to its Garden Shop page in comments. Go buy yourself some !

Native Tree Spotlight:
Parsley Hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii)

Parsley Hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii) is a small, native tree or large shrub found in Alabama’s moist woodlands, stream banks, and bottomlands. It is named for its deeply lobed, parsley-like leaves and is admired for its delicate white blooms, attractive bark, and bright red fruit.

🌿 Ecological & Wildlife Benefits:
~Early-season nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
~Host plant for several butterfly species, including the Gray Hairstreak and Red-Spotted Purple.
~Bright red fruit (“haws”) provide food for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife.
~Thorny branches offer excellent nesting sites and protection for songbirds.

🌿 Landscape Value:
~Beautiful ornamental tree with showy spring flowers and striking fall foliage.
~Works well in naturalized areas, woodland edges, and pollinator gardens.
~Drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soils, preferring moist, well-drained conditions.
~Attractive, exfoliating bark adds year-round interest.

💚 Historical & Cultural Uses:
~Traditionally, various Crataegus species have been used in herbal medicine for heart health.
~The fruits (haws) were sometimes eaten raw or made into jellies, though they are small and seedy.
~The dense, thorny branches made excellent natural fencing in early settlements.

With its pollinator-friendly blooms, wildlife-supporting fruit, and ornamental appeal, Crataegus marshallii is a fantastic choice for native gardens, hedgerows, and naturalized landscapes!

📸:Wikimedia

05/04/2026

I had some of this nice native groundcover in stock last year. I need to see if my supplier has more ready. Its flowers are very pretty.

05/03/2026

I have both the straight species Itea virginica and the Henry's Garnet Itea virginica in stock. Links to their Garden Shop pages in comments.

Go buy yourself some !

Virginia Sweetspire or Virginia Willow (Itea virginica) flowers from late April through June. It’s native to the Eastern United States, where its drooping branches can be found in stream banks and along wetlands. A wide range of bees and butterflies pollinate its white flowers.

If you’re looking for a native bush to grow in a moist area, this is one to consider. There are a few cultivars available that vary in fall leaf color.

05/03/2026

Plant Pick Up Post 05/02

Hello, my fellow flower freaks! Yes, I know it's been a minute since I've done any socializing with you. Being my only employee and taking care of my elderly parents gets to be a lot sometimes. But not to worry, I'm still here delivering lovely Florida native plants to you. All you have to do is keep making those orders!...

Hello, my fellow flower freaks! Yes, I know it’s been a minute since I’ve done any socializing with you. Being my only employee and taking care of my elderly parents gets to be a lot so…