The Power of Native Plants
Native Plants are the unsung heroes of a healthy environment. They support biodiversity, improve soil health, and conserve water—creating a more balanced and thriving ecosystem, plain and simple. Plus they are tailor made to our climate here in the Upper Valley, meaning they are tougher, require less maintenance, and thrive with minimal fuss.
Want to learn more about which plants are native to our area and where to find them? Click on the links below for resources that will get you started. Together, we can create spaces that are as sustainable as they are beautiful.
How to Know Which Plants Are Native to Our Area
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center allows you to search for natives by state, and The Audubon Society lets you search by your zip code.
The Hanover Garden Club buys native seeds from Prairie Moon Nursery in Minnesota, and we have learned a lot from their catalogue. Their website refers to the Wild Ones organization for good explanations, such as:
How to buy the most native natives:
https://wildones.org/resources/guidelines-for-selecting-native-plants/
What's your personal climate: zones v ecoregions:
https://wildones.org/resources/ecoregions-explained/
What are nativars? and should I plant them?
https://wildones.org/resources/nativars/
https://wildones.org/wp-content/images/2024/10/Wild-Ones-Nativar-Position-Statement-October-2024.pdf
Native Plant Nurseries & Resources in NH, VT, ME, MA, and Beyond
For gardeners passionate about supporting local ecosystems and creating vibrant, sustainable landscapes, native plant nurseries are a treasure trove of resources. These retail nurseries specialize in plants that naturally thrive in the Northeast, offering everything from pollinator friendly perennials to resilient shrubs and trees. Whether you're designing a backyard haven for birds and butterflies or restoring a larger natural area, these nurseries provide expert advice on ethically sourced plants, and a chance to reconnect with the unique beauty of our region’s native plants. Dive into the lists to discover trusted sources to bring your gardening vision to life!
Our favorites are Bagley Pond Nursery (Warner, NH) and Northeast Pollinator Plants (Fairfax, VT and online), but there are many other sources for natives, which Pattie Fried has assembled below, listed by state.
The guide below highlights trusted sources for native plants across New England and reliable online suppliers to support ecological gardening and conservation.
New Hampshire
Bagley Pond Perennials (Warner, NH) : This nursery offers organically grown native perennials, shrubs, and pollinator garden kits, emphasizing sustainability and pollinator-friendly plants. Their biodegradable pots and eco-friendly practices make them a standout choice. https://bagleypondperennials.com/
Black Forest Nursery (Boscawen, NH): Offers a wide variety of plants and gardening supplies. Trusted source for native shrubs, trees, and perennials. https://blackforestnursery.com/
Cat Swamp Farm (Unity, NH): A small-scale native plant nursery focusing on New England flora, alongside their sawmill and woodshop. "Our plant nursery is focused on perpetuating the genetics of native northern New England plants. The seeds and cuttings we propagate from are all sourced from the Upper Valley region." https://www.catswampfarm.com/
Dartmouth College Organic Farm (Hanover, NH): Occasional sales of native plants suitable for pollinators. https://www.sustainability.dartmouth.edu/organic-farm
Fassett Farm (Jaffrey, NH): An extensive inventory of plants native to the Northeast, especially those which support pollinators, wildlife, and the food web. All are ethically sourced and propagated on site. Also provide garden design, consultation and installation services. https://fassettfarmnursery.com
Found Well Farm (Pembroke, NH): uses earth friendly practices in both the green house and native plant nursery. They offer disease resistant varieties of native plants. See plant and shrub list online. Certified organic plants. https://www.foundwellfarm.com/
Grafton County Conservation District (North Haverhill, NH): Annual Conservation plant sale each spring, offering a wide variety of plants suitable for environmental conservation. These include native species and other plants selected for benefits such as wildlife food, erosion control, and reforestation. Most plants are sold as bare-root stock, which is hardy and adapted to the local climate. A great opportunity to source plants that are well suited for our region while supporting local conservation efforts. Check website starting in January for sale date: https://graftonccd.org/site/sales-programs/
Heath’s Greenhouse & Nursery (Sugar Hill, NH): Heath‘s Greenhouse have been growing naturally, without the use of any chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, since their inception in 1989, and first became certified organic by the state program in 1994. https://heathsgreenhousenursery.com/
Hemingway Farms (Charlestown, NH) Their nursery features a growing selection of native plants and shrubs suited to the Northeast. Open from April through early November with seasonal offerings. https://hemingwayfarms.com/
Kathan’s Gardens (Newport, NH) offers a variety of plants, including a growing collection of native species. Great local resource with expertise and a personalized approach to gardening. https://kathangardens.com
Newton Greenhouse (Newton, NH): Quality retail and wholesale grower of cut flowers and potted ornamentals. Open year round, it is a family business They carry American Beauties native plants and also grow many native plants from seed. Website not available. 32 Amesbury Rd., Newton, NH 603-382-5289
NH Native Perennials (Madison, NH): "Our mission is to get more native plants available to our local ecosystems to help the pollinators and other critters out!” https://www.nhnativeperennials.com/
NH State Forest Nursery (Boscawen, NH): Offers seedlings of native trees and shrubs grown from local seed sources. https://www.nh.gov/nhnursery/ or https://buynhseedlings.com
Spring Ledge Farm (New London, NH) Specializes in high quality native plants and shrubs. https://www.springledgefarm.com/
Vermont
Arcana Gardens and Greenhouse (Jericho, VT): Specializes in native plants, offering a wide variety of selections for garden enthusiasts. https://www.arcanagardens.com/
Cedar Circle Farm (East Thetford, VT): NOFA-VT certified farm and education center specializing in organic and regenerative practices. https://cedarcirclefarm.org/
Champlain Valley Restoration Plant Nursery (Poultney, VT): Provides plants for restoration projects and garden landscapes that benefit local wildlife. https://www.pmnrcd.org/champlain-valley-native-plant-restoration-nursery/
Evergreen Gardens of Vermont (Waterbury Center, VT): Known for providing native perennials suited to Vermont’s climate. https://www.evergreengardensvt.com/
The Farm Between (Jeffersonville, VT): specializing in hardy fruit trees, berry bushes, and native and pollinator plants. https://thefarmbetween.com/
Full Circle Gardens (Essex, VT): This nursery offers an excellent selection of native plants perfect for pollinators and birds. "We grow several hundred varieties of Vermont hardy perennials (from seed, propagation, division and tiny plugs to ensure northern climate hardiness).” https://fullcirclegardens.com/
Horsford Gardens & Nursery (Charlotte, VT): A family-owned nursery that includes native plant selections for homeowners. https://horsfordnursery.com/
High Country Gardens (Shelburne, VT): Offers a variety of native plants suited to Vermont’s growing conditions. https://www.highcountrygardens.com/
Intervale Conservation Nursery (Burlington, VT): Focuses on native plants that are good for habitat restoration and ecological landscaping. https://www.intervale.org/intervale-conservation-nursery
Miller Hill Farm & Native Plant Nursery (Sudbury, VT): A farm offering a broad selection of native plants for various landscapes. https://millerhillfarmvt.com/
North Branch Nature Center (Montpelier, VT): Hosts seasonal native plant sales emphasizing pollinator-friendly selections. https://northbranchnaturecenter.org
Red Wagon Plants (Hinesburg, VT): Specializes in native and sustainable plants, focusing on ecological gardening. https://www.redwagonplants.com/
Shinleaf Native Plants (Westminster West, VT): Offers a range of native plant species ideal for Vermont gardens. https://www.shinleafnativeplants.com/
Vermont Wetland Plant Supply (Orwell, VT): Specializes in native wetland and riparian plants. https://www.vtwetlandplants.com
For additional resources, check out Vermont Audubon’s native plant database.
Maine
After the Fall Farm (West Montville, ME): A MOFGA Certified Organic fruit orchard specializing in heirloom varieties of apples, peaches, plums, and pears. Also has a native plant nursery, specializing in seed-grown plants. https://www.5starorchard.com/
Bas Rouge Farm & Forge (Orono, ME): Small native plant nursery dedicated to growing and selling ethically sourced and hand tended native plants, shrubs, trees and native seeds. https://basrougefarm.com/
Blue Aster Native Plants (South China, ME): Specializes in a diverse range of native perennials and shrubs tailored to the Northeast. This nursery prioritizes genetic diversity and sustainable growing practices. Plants grown from responsibly collected seeds, often sourced locally in Maine and cultivated without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. https://www.blueasternativeplants.com/
Crystal Lake Farm & Nursery (Washington, ME): this family owned operation specializes in native plants that support local wildlife like birds, bees and butterflies, The nursery emphasizes sustainability growing plants from certified organic heirloom and open pollinated seeds whenever possible. They offer wood and herbaceous plants. They provide consultation and design classes making them a valuable resource. https://crystallake.me/plants
Edgewood Nursery (Falmouth, ME): online focused on unusual edible/medicinal plants and local ecotype native plants. https://edgewood-nursery.com/
5 Star Nursery (Brookline, ME): Certified organic operation that specializes in native and heirloom plant varieties. Known for its focus on sustainable horticulture, the nursery offers a selection of native plants alongside its fruit orchard. Excellent resource for gardeners aiming to incorporate environmentally beneficial native species into their spaces. https://www.5starorchard.com/
Fernwood Nursery & Gardens (Montville, ME): Specializes in shade-tolerant and woodland plants, including a variety of native species. It's a perfect destination for gardeners looking to cultivate understory plants in New England. https://fernwoodnursery.com
Fieldstone Gardens (Vassalboro, ME): Long established nursery specializing in native plants for woodland and shade gardens. Located on a picturesque 250 acre fourth-generation farm, the nursery offers many varieties suited to Zones ⅘. Explore five acres of display gardens and purchase plants on-site or via mail order. https://fieldstonegardens.com/
Flora Maine (Waldoboro, ME): Offers native plants and garden consultations, helping gardeners select plants that support pollinators and thrive in zones ⅘ environment. https://sites.google.com/view/flora-maine-natives/home
Green Art Kittery (Kittery, ME): Their focus is on pollinator-friendly plants like Joe-Pye weed, Mountain Mint, and New York ironweed, providing environmentally conscious options for those looking to support local ecosystems. The nursery also features artistic elements, such as sculptures that enhance the visual appeal of their landscape designs. They also offer guidance on incorporating native plants into home gardens, making it a valuable resource for homeowners interested in eco-friendly gardening practices. https://www.greenart.com/
Local Soil & Water Conservation Districts: Maine's conservation districts often host native plant sales. Notable ones include the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, which provides a wide selection of native plants each spring. https://www.knox-lincoln.org
Native Haunts (Alfred, ME): This nursery is dedicated to growing plants native to Maine and the surrounding regions. They focus on ecologically beneficial species and offer native plants that thrive in local conditions. https://nativehaunts.com
Rebel Hill Farm (Liberty, ME): Specializes in organically grown native plants and seeds. Their offerings include a wide variety of native perennials, grasses, and sedges, all chosen to support local biodiversity. They also provide consultations to help gardeners select plants suitable for their site. https://rebelhillfarm.com
Rooted Elements (Liberty, ME): Specializing in native species, Rooted Elements offers plant sales and consultations to promote pollinator-friendly gardens and ecological landscapes. https://rootedelements.me
Whaleback Nursery (Southwest ME): This nursery focuses on growing native trees, shrubs, and edible perennials using regenerative farming practices. They provide native plants to enhance biodiversity and offer consultations for sustainable landscaping. https://whalebacknursery.com
Wild Seed Project (Portland, ME) This organization sells seeds for plants native to the northeast and provides resources for restoring local ecosystems through rewilding. They emphasize the importance of using local genotypes to maintain regional biodiversity. https://wildseedproject.net
Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & Environment (Freeport, ME): Seasonal sales of native plants focused on pollinator support. https://www.wolfesneck.org/
Massachusetts
Blue Stem Natives (Norwell, MA): locally grown, native, pesticide-free plants. We specialize in growing native plants from seed whenever possible, so as to encourage genetic diversity, and only straight-species, no ‘cultivars.’ https://www.bluestemnatives.com/
The Monarch Gardener (Ipswich, MA): Focuses on plants for pollinators, especially milkweed and nectar species. https://www.themonarchgardener.com
Native Plant Trust (Framingham, MA): NPT is an important organization established over 125 years ago to help combat the over-collection of native plants in New England. Native Plant Trust also owns and operates: Nasami Farm Garden Shop, where the public can purchase native plants; Garden in the Woods, a 45- acre naturalistic botanic garden showcasing New England native plants; and 6 native plant sanctuaries in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. They also developed GoBotany, a website for identifying plants, sharing photos and observations, and learning about Botany.
Sylvan Nursery (Westport, MA): Offers a diverse array of native shrubs and herbaceous plants. https://www.sylvannurseries.com
Online Only Resources
Northeast Pollinator: An on-line only regional provider of native and naturalized perennials, and a few shrubs, that have been carefully selected to ensure each is of special value to native bees and bumblebees, our most important pollinators. https://www.northeastpollinator.com/
Prairie Moon Nursery: Nationwide shipping of seeds and plants focused on ecological restoration. https://www.prairiemoon.com
Prairie Nursery: Offers a broad selection of native perennials and grasses. https://www.prairienursery.com