Great Resources
Useful tools to help you improve the health of your landscape
Useful Native Plant Databases
You have heard how important native plants are to our environment, but how do you find out which plants are native to your area and support your local ecosystem? One important resource is your state or local native plant society or native plant group, such as The Native Plant Center in New York. Another way to to explore regional native plants is to do some research online. Here are a number of great resources to help you along the way:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/
Native plant database
USDA PLANTS Database
www.plants.usda.gov/java/
Plant database, including natives
Biota of North America Program
www.bonap.org
Native plants by state and county level
Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder.aspx
General plant database
Plant Native
www.plantnative.org
Native plant and nursery lists by state
More Great Resources
BugGuide.Net
Have you ever spotted an insect in your landscape that completely mystified you? Some little bug that you had never seen before? Where do you go to figure out whether you have stumbled upon a fantastic beneficial insect or a destructive pest? BugGuide.net is a terrific place to start your…
Cornell Ornithology Lab’s “All About Birds”
If you like to garden, then you probably like birds. But, do you always know what birds are visiting your garden and what they need to survive? Once in a while a feathered visitor might appear that you have never seen before. Wouldn’t it be great if you could find…
Native Plant Societies
Whether you are a new gardener, a seasoned gardener, or a native plant geek, you can benefit greatly from a membership with a local native plant society. These groups are tremendous resources for information on regional native plants (many have online plant lists), educational events including certificate programs, landscaping and…