An ecological approach to growing and planting.

We wholeheartedly believe in the hands-on, seed propagation of plants that have a deep connection to place.

We consider ‘our place’ to be the EPA designated ecoregion of the Eastern Great Lakes - a low lying section of land that borders the Eastern Great Lakes and includes not just Greater Rochester, but the Buffalo and Syracuse areas as well. Though this region is densely populated and developed, our glacial history left us with rolling topography and marshy lowlands that have been too challenging to farm or develop. This is where we find exciting plant communities; these areas often interweave through our yards and businesses. Our mission is to build a sense of stewardship and connection to these patches, to help people understand our shared ecological history and that what they plant matters.

We look to plant communities indigenous to our area from the hills of Tryon Park to the depths of Devil’s Bathtub. These patches inform our plant offerings and design inspiration: local wet meadows inspire rain gardens, woodlands inform plant choices for shady locations and oak openings offer incredible plant ideas our full sun pollinator patches, to name a few.

Our plants are seed grown for maximum genetic diversity, and are genotype specific to our region when possible, however we prioritize the ethical collection of seed. We do not use any pesticides or herbicides on our plants or grounds and minimally use a greenhouse so that our plants stay well adapted to the climate of our ecoregion. We only sell straight species, native plants; no cultivars or nativars. We pride ourselves in seasonally offering seed grown plant plugs for economical, large scale projects in addition to our regular season quart-sized perennials, and 1-3 gallon shrubs and trees.

A hand in a fuzzy brown sleeve holds a small bunch of yellowed autumn leaves, with a blurred forest floor in the background.
Rows of green potted plants growing under a black mesh canopy in a garden, with natural light filtering through the netting and lush greenery visible in the background.
Several raised garden beds and small pots filled with green plants and seedlings, arranged outdoors with white arch supports and a wire fence in the background.
Purchase Plants

Local ecological communities inform our plant choices for yards. If you have sunny, cleared yard- you might look to an oak savanna plant community for inspiration such as that at Rush Oak Openings Unique Area.

Three different wildflower meadows are shown, each filled with tall grasses, green foliage, and colorful blooms under blue or partly cloudy skies, with trees in the background.
A collage of various wildflowers and grasses, featuring a mix of yellow, orange, purple, and white blossoms, with some green grasses and a butterfly on one orange flower.