Local Nurseries

Looking for native plants? Local native plant nurseries are a terrific option. These local businesses have great selections and knowledgeable staff. Examples include: Chesapeake Natives, Inc. (Upper Marlboro, MD); Lauren’s Garden Service and Native Plant Nursery (Ellicott City, MD); and Herring Run Nursery (Baltimore, MD).

On-Line Vendors

On-line vendors are another great option. They typically sell plugs that are 2 inches wide x 4.5 inches deep. This is a very cost-effective option. However, these small plants may take up to three years to fully establish themselves. Regional example The Pollen Nation (NJ) requests that you purchase a minimum of 25 plugs (5 per plant type) to earn free shipping. Prairie Nursery (WI) and Prairie Moon Nursery (MN) are also very good. However, not all of their plant selections are native to the mid-Atlantic region so always conduct your research prior to ordering.

Events

Events like the Howard County, Maryland’s Native Plant Palooza are a great place to purchase new plants and connect with other like-minded people. Native plant events attract experienced native plant gardeners, as well as folks who are just starting their native plant journey. Finally, consider joining local Facebook groups focused on native plant gardening and participate in their group orders.