Native Plants
Each year more and more people are appreciating the value of native plants. The monoculture of bluegrass lawns and imported varieties of perennials, shrubs, and trees are being replaced with plant species that are native to the area. They're looking to create new and preserve existing habitat that benefits insects, animals, and themselves.
We pride ourselves on our knowledge about and selection of native plants. Our main focus is on providing central South Dakota plants but the preservation of Upper Plains grasslands ecosystems as well.
We have also partnered with several entities to provide opportunities for those interested in natives to learn more about them and to offer a reliable purchasing source.
Why Native Plants Matter
Plants native to an area are biologically linked to that environment. Not only are they physiologically well suited for the environment in which they live, they also bloom or produce a food source when insects and other animals in that environment need them to.
A great example of this is the soapweed yucca plant (Yucca glauca) which can only be pollinated by the yucca moth (Tegeticula yuccasella). In turn, the yucca's seeds are the only food source for the moth's larvae. Both species literally require the other to reproduce and consequently live. This mutually obligate symbiotic relationship means the loss of one species will result in the loss of both species.
Locally Sourced Seeds
Believe it or not, site matters! The location of where seeds were collected may have an impact on when the plant flowers, which may not match up with the natural climate of the area where that plant is eventually planted. The techical term is called Phenology.
When we have opportunities, we collect seeds from native plants that we find growing on our own property, thereby assuring that the plants coming from those seeds are biologically connected to central South Dakota. The picture above was taken about70 meters northwest of our home.
Partners and Collaborators
We have collaborated with South Dakota State University's Native Plant Initiative providing educational opportunities and plant sources for our customers for several years. This relationship has allowed both entities networking opportunities with like-minded indviduals thereby expanding native plant projects and knowledge.
Maybe the Phoenix Conservancy?