When you visit a native plant nursery, you’re not just picking out plants. You’re stepping into someone’s life work—a story shaped by soil, seasons, pollinators, and community. In Minnesota, we are lucky to have many quality native plant nurseries across the state. These businesses and retailers, small and large, are growing more than flowers. They’re… Read More →
The growing season is approaching! We’re once again sharing a list of upcoming native plant sales in the Twin Cities Metro and throughout Minnesota. Sales will be continually added as announced. Why native plants? Native plants fortify ecosystems by supporting local pollinators and improving water quality. Well-adapted to Minnesota’s climatic conditions, native plants have robust… Read More →
Thinking about planting native plants this year—but not sure where to start? Or maybe you already have a rain garden or pollinator planting and want to make sure it thrives long-term. Blue Thumb’s spring Planting for Clean Water workshops are designed to meet you where you are, with practical guidance, expert support, and plenty of… Read More →
As the days grow shorter and the first snows begin to settle, our gardens slow down, entering a quiet dormancy. Yet even in winter, nature is busy giving. Seeds, stalks, roots, and leaf litter continue the cycle of life, providing nourishment, shelter, and renewal. In this season of giving, we can take inspiration from nature… Read More →
Late fall is a great time to start planning for your native planting, rain garden, or other sustainable landscaping project. If you live in Minnesota, there are many funding opportunities to support your work! Minnesota residents can apply for a Lawns to Legumes grant, a $400 reimbursement for creating pollinator habitat with native plants. Apply… Read More →
Two summers ago, Amy Lesher of Shoreview stood in her backyard imagining a transformation. What was once a patch of grass would soon become a tapestry of native flowers, alive with bees and butterflies. “I have absolutely loved every step,” Amy says. “Shopping for the plants was like a botanical treasure hunt. Now, in year… Read More →
Fall is almost here—the days are shorter, the air is getting cooler, and your garden is slowing down for the season. But while it might be tempting to tidy everything up, pollinators prefer a little bit of mess. In fact, one of the best things you can do for your yard in autumn is less… Read More →
Are you done planting for the season? Think again. You’re missing a seasonal sweet spot. Fall is an excellent time of year to plant native and support pollinators. Today, we’re clearing up some common fall planting myths — because gardening season isn’t over quite yet! Myth #1: Fall is not a gardening time of year.… Read More →
Caring for Your Established Native Garden By the time your native perennial or rain garden reaches its third growing season and beyond, it’s likely a lush and colorful haven buzzing with life. Your plants have settled in, roots running deep into the soil, and blooms cycling through the seasons. But while the heavy lifting of… Read More →
Spring has sprung and pollinators are on the wing, looking for nectar and pollen after a long winter’s fast. But what if you live in an apartment or don’t have a yard? Container gardens offer a solution, acting as pocket ecosystems that support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. In this post, we’ll walk through the… Read More →
