Making a difference…one plant at a time!
At Understory Gardens, we are focusing on growing healthy plants, helping you establish gardens that bring you joy, and introducing you to native plant options.
We are committed to exploring the most sustainable way to bring plants home to you. It is our objective to grow “mostly native”, while offering some of our non-native favorites as well. We grow our inventory from seed. We grow the majority of our seedlings in plastic-free potting solutions and, when able, we deliver the plants to you by plastic-free means. This approach requires us to think creatively and source carefully, and we appreciate our patrons helping us support our environment while building beauty in your gardens!
In addition to our beloved gardens, Nick and Stef have two dogs (Copper & Watson), chickens, and honey bees. Because of this, Understory Gardens does not use chemicals or pesticides on our plants. We use natural means to produce healthy plants and deter pests.
What are Native Plants?
Simply put, a native plant is one that has spent enough time in a given area to develop essential relationships with the environment it exists within.
What this means to us - not only is it a beautiful plant in your garden, but it is also providing fuel for the ecosystem. Gardening with native plants actually provides a better tomorrow for our environment!
Does Understory Gardens ONLY sell Native Plants?
No! We sell non-native plants as well. We try to follow the advisement of Entomologist Doug Tallamy, who suggests at least 70% of plant selections to be native.
As long as a plant is non-invasive, we believe it is beneficial. We just aim for at least 70% native to maximize our contribution to the ecosystem.
If you have questions about how to design your gardens to incorporate more natives, we would love to help! We love to talk through questions with you!