Wild Seed Blog
Staying Healthy with Native Plants: Elderberry Shrub
by Michelle Smith
By now, many of us have heard about the wonderful health benefits of elderberries – they are high in antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and support overall immune health. It […]
Ferns: Ancient Plants for 21st Century Landscapes
by Heather McCargo
Ferns are ancient plants whose ancestors first appeared on Earth over 300 million years ago. Members of a division of primitive plants called Pteridophytes, ferns are one of the earth’s […]
Hellstrip Plantings: Creating habitat in the space between the sidewalk and the curb
by Heather McCargo
Urban environments are dominated by pavement, the bane of most living things. One area ripe for community greening is the hellstrip—the narrow space between the sidewalk and street curb. Sometimes […]
Creating Canopy: Plant a Native Tree for a Greener Future
by Heather McCargo
Planting a native tree is a powerful act that directly benefits local wildlife, moderates ground temperature, and helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Since the dawn of agriculture, people […]
Wasps in the Garden Ecosystem
by Reeser Manley
I am intimidated by the bald-faced hornets that forage nectar from raspberry blossoms and the yellow jackets that swarm over ripe blueberries, having experienced the stings of both. Yet each […]
The Beauty and Pollinator Benefits of Asters and Goldenrods
by Heather McCargo
Asters and goldenrods are some of our most recognizable late season wildflowers. Asters range in colors from blue, purple, pink to white, and goldenrods have abundant yellow flower clusters. These […]
Invasive Plants and Maine’s Ecological Puzzle
by Gary Fish
What do plants like ‘Crimson King’ Norway maple, burning bush and barberry have in common? They are long-standing favorites in urban and suburban landscapes; they grow easily and they provide […]
Caring for your Native Seedlings
by Heather McCargo
How to grow them over the summer and plant into their permanent home in the fall You have successfully germinated some native seeds and have small pots or flats filled […]
Small Flowering Trees: A Dozen Native Species for Limited Spaces
by Heather McCargo
A small tree can bring beauty and diversity into your yard while taking up very little space. One could be planted next to your doorway, on the edge of a […]
Native Greens: edible plants for your backyard
by Heather McCargo
Spring is a great time to taste some of Maine’s native plants that have edible leaves and shoots. Below are species that can be planted in your home landscape, transforming […]
