Several days of snow and sub-zero temperatures (not to mention “brisk” breezes) were bringing on a case of the winter blahs. Then I open my email and there’s a Nebraska Statewide Arboretum newsletter. Pictures of green things – instant cheer! Then it gets better. There is a Zoom presentation March 13 on the importance of Oaks, Willows and Prunus (plums and cherries) in supporting native insects. Must see “TV”. Registration is required so use the link above and search for “Winter Talks”. The Statewide Arboretum also hosts “The Spring Affair” (see the newsletter) and several other plant sales at their Lincoln greenhouses throughout the year. Consider becoming a member.
On the topic of plants and insects, if you haven’t read it, you should check out the NebGuide on “Butterfly Gardening”. It’s a very helpful tool to use when landscaping your property to maximize the use of plants beneficial to butterflies throughout their life cycle.
When choosing plants beneficial to other critters we share our world with it’s important to include plants native to our area. They will require less maintenance (great for you) and have a unique relationship beneficial to both plant and animal built up over millennia. In recent decades horticulturists have bred many landscape plants for certain features to make them more attractive. Sometimes, while developing these “eye candy” cultivars, other traits that made them beneficial to our wild friends are lost or diminished. So, if possible, plan to include some “wild” material into your landscape.
Unfortunately, there is often a sparse selection of many “natives” available at commercial nurseries. Also, the same plant originating from a different region may react quite differently to your local conditions. So, it is also important to get locally sourced plants as often as possible. Luckily for us there are several great local sources for native plants you might want to check out. The first is Midwest Natives Nursey located in Lincoln. It’s 2025 spring plant list is out. It is a brick and mortar business (no mail order) but you can preorder for pickup at the greenhouse. Sign up for the mailing list for opening dates, hours, etc.
Another great local plant source is Prairie Legacy based in southeast Nebraska. This is an online plant store (no brick and mortar location) that offers a great selection of native live plants (grasses, forbs, trees and shrubs) or seeds (individual species or premixed) delivered to your door. Bulk seed mixes for larger projects are available.
Stock Seed Farm based in Murdock sells a wide variety of native grass and flower seeds. Flower seeds are available in packets, ounces or pounds. Grass seeds are sold by the pound. An assortment of pre-mixed seed selections is also offered. This is another great source for larger projects.
After this past week spring might seem a long way off. But hopefully it’s closer than the recent cold snap would lead us to believe. If you’ve decided to add plants to your property this spring it’s time to make a plan. Please consider our insect friends and include some locally sourced native plants. And don’t forget to sign up for the Oaks, Willows and Prunus presentation.