HOPE 2022
A team of Ohioans helping other Ohioans plant as many native plants as possible in 2022! Why? Native plants mean healthier land and wildlife. Healthier land and wildlife means healthier YOU! Learn more about Team Hope 2022 below or via our LinkTree here.
Goldenrod in my garden by our pond
Native plant starter guide for Ohio
Native plants (plants that are supposed to grow in Ohio) are the "invitation" you can put out to host wildlife parties for your yard. You can save the bees, feed the birds, bring the butterflies and so much more based entirely upon what you plant.
A few tips to consider as you start your native plant journey:
- It's OK to start small! Even one single plant makes a difference.
- Only buy straight species, not cultivars.
- Leave the leaves. Don't rake, bag or leaf blow your leaves. Mow less, and try to go chemical free. This helps save time, money and our state.
- Patience is part of the plan. Most native plants take two to three years to bloom as they establish their roots.
Wild bergamot/bee balm in a pocket meadow near our rocky thyme path around the house
Native plants to start your native garden
Native sunflowers, asters and goldenrods support the most pollinators. Milkweed brings butterflies, and native red flowers such as cardinal flower and royal catchfly attract hummingbirds.
Coreopsis with a bee covered in pollen
Resources for native plants
Tending Nature Webinar Series from OSU
Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative
Coneflower with a bee visitor
Deer-resistant native plants
Here are some native plants that deer won't eat:
- Wild columbine
- Milkweed
- Spicebush
- Rattlesnake master
- Wild bergamot
- Native mints
- Bonesets
- Coneflowers
- Goldenrods
- Blackhaw
- Culver's root
Sunflower by our pond throwing a bee party
Native trees and shrubs to add to your landscape
- Native oak
- Cherry
- Willow
- Gray dogwood
- Eastern wahoo
- Spicebush
- Buttonbush
- Ninebark
- New Jersey tea
- Blackhaw
Black-eyed Susans near our zinnia garden