Bright Lane Gardens Blog

Landscape Design, Gardening, and Native Plant Trends

Bright Lane Gardens Blog

Landscape Design, Gardening, and Native Plant Trends

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  • Hoary vervain is drought tolerant and deer resistant once established.

Drought-Tolerant Michigan Natives for Sandy Soils

Want a gorgeous garden in sandy soil or full sun with less watering? Discover Michigan native plants perfect for Great Lakes yards. Start with one drought tolerant wildflower and see pollinators arrive. Save this for your next backyard makeover!

  • Native Wild ginger is often chosen as a ground cover in shade gardens.

Michigan Native Plants for Shade: Dry, Moist, and Deep Shade

Not all gardens get full sun, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of Michigan native plants. From deep shade under trees to dry shade beneath established shrubs, and even moist shade in woodland gardens, there are native species perfectly adapted to thrive in these low-light conditions. Discover which plants bring life, color, and ecological benefits to shady spaces across Michigan.

  • A hydroponic solution can be tested using an EC meter to determine if more or less nutrients should be added.

Home Hydroponic Gardening Manual

Everything you need to know to get started on home hydroponics. Choose the best system to fit your needs, grow the best plants for your system, and learn about everything in between!

  • Stunning in any season, this commercial property for sale offers incredible views of the Traverse City region.

Winter Sowing with Native Plants: A Guide to Success

Winter sowing is a simple, effective way to grow native plants by harnessing the power of nature. By planting seeds in vented containers like gallon milk jugs or salad containers, you create mini greenhouses that protect seeds while exposing them to the cold temperatures they need for germination.

  • White blooms of Northern Bedstraw stand out against the purple flowers of wild bergamot in a native garden setting.

How to Grow Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale)

Learn how to grow Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale), a native plant perfect for naturalized settings and wildlife gardens. From seed starting to landscape design, discover its benefits, growing tips, and uses for sustainable and beautiful gardens

  • Little bluestem grass in the fall once it has turned brown and has grown tufts of seeds at the top.

How to Grow Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium)

How to grow Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) in your garden! This native, low-maintenance perennial grass offers stunning blue-green foliage, erosion control, and seasonal beauty. Perfect for pollinator gardens, prairie restorations, and cottage gardens.

  • Nodding wild onion for pretty native landscape designs.

How to Grow Nodding Wild Onion (Allium cernuum)

Nodding wild onion (Allium cernuum), commonly known as wild garlic or pink onion, is a stunning and adaptable native perennial found throughout the continental United States. This member of the lily family features graceful nodding flower clusters in shades of pink and white, along with delicate grass-like leaves.

  • White flowers on wild strawberries that are planted as groundcover for erosion control in Michigan.

How to Grow Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

Wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana), a charming native ground cover, are prized for their small but flavorful fruits and delicate white blossoms. Found throughout the continental United States, these low-growing plants thrive in diverse conditions, from sunny meadows to partially shaded woodland edges.

  • Chokecherries are a native and edible berry that can be turned into many recipes.

The Ultimate Guide to Growing a Native Chokecherry Tree

The chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), with its rustic beauty and hardy nature, is a prized addition to any garden. This deciduous wonder not only graces landscapes with its elegant white blooms but also brings a host of benefits that resonate well beyond mere aesthetics.

Top 4 Gas Hedge Trimmers

Top 4 Gas Hedge Trimmers Top 4 Gas Hedge Trimmers Gas Hedge Trimmers Gas hedge trimmers typically consist of [...]

  • Garden gloves with some dirt on them used in a comparison for claw garden gloves.

Top Claw Garden Gloves

Top Claw Garden Gloves Top Claw Garden Gloves What Are Claw Garden Gloves? Claw garden gloves are designed to [...]

  • A greenhouse at a plant nursery Traverse City, Michigan.

Plant Nursery Traverse City

Plant Nursery Traverse City Plant Nursery Traverse City Traverse City Plant Nurseries: A Guide To Regional Plants and Gardening Tips Traverse [...]

  • Blackberries ripening in a Michigan yard.

Blackberry Growing Guide

Blackberry Growing Guide Blackberry Growing Guide Growing Blackberries Growing blackberries can be a rewarding experience, and it is a [...]

  • Gardening tools laying on the ground after being voted for the 10 best gardening tools.

10 Best Gardening Tools

10 Best Gardening Tools 10 Best Gardening Tools Invest In Good Gardening Tools Good garden tools can make a huge difference [...]

  • Dormant blueberries started from bare root plants at Bright Lane Gardens.

How To Plant Bare Root Dormant Blueberries

There are many benefits of starting with a dormant plant. This type of vegetation is less susceptible to outside factors, like frost or sunlight. This is because the plant has not yet started to grow for that [...]

  • A tomato plant and marigold flower planted side by side for companion planting.

What Is Companion Planting?

What Is Companion Planting? What Is Companion Planting? What Is Companion Planting? Companion planting is an ancient agricultural technique [...]

  • A row of panicle hydrangeas blooming after a fresh pruning in the springtime.

How To Prune Hydrangeas

How To Prune Hydrangeas How To Prune Hydrangeas Hydrangea Growth And Pruning Hydrangeas are immensely popular flowering bushes that [...]

  • A hand trowel and custom soil blend made for growing blueberries and pepper plants.

Top 5 Organic Fertilizers

Top 5 Organic Fertilizers Top 5 Organic Fertilizers  Why Do Plants Need Organic Fertilizer? Plants need organic fertilizer to [...]

  • A bright yellow forsythia branch after pruning.

When To Prune Forsythia

When To Prune Forsythia When To Prune Forsythia Forsythia Forsythias are beautiful, deciduous shrubs that produce masses of yellow [...]

When To Prune Lilacs

When To Prune Lilacs When To Prune Lilacs Fragrant Lilacs Lilacs are beautiful, fragrant shrubs that produce clusters of [...]

  • A spring flower pops up in a bed of mulched leaves.

How To Mulch Leaves

How To Mulch Leaves How To Mulch Leaves Using Leaves As Mulch Mulching leaves is an easy and environmentally [...]

  • Ripe elderberries ready for harvest in Michigan

Elderberry Growing Guide

Elderberry Growing Guide Elderberry Growing Guide Our Complete Elderberry Guide Elderberries are a fruit that have been used for [...]

  • A young deer with its tongue out in Northern Michigan

Deer Resistant Landscape Design

Deer Resistant Landscape Design Deer Resistant Landscape Design Oh Deer! Deer are a common sight in Northern Michigan, and while they [...]

  • View of landscaping around the edge of a home in Michigan.

Michigan Landscape Design

Michigan Landscape Design Michigan Landscape Design What Is Landscape Design? Landscape design is the intentional planning and arrangement of [...]

  • Several bright red strawberries hang from a plant ready to be picked!

Strawberry Growing Guide

Strawberry Growing Guide Strawberry Growing Guide Grow Fresh Strawberries In Northern Michigan There is truly nothing better than fresh [...]

  • A female American Robin perched in a native tree with berries in the winter.

Planting Native Plants To Attract Birds

There are several native plant species that provide a one-stop-shop for our local birds. Native plants help to provide shelter and building materials for our flying friends, which offer ideal nesting sites for many bird species. Above all, native plants are hosts to an abundant source of food!

  • Monarch Caterpillar on Swamp Milkweed by Larkin Kinsella

Benefits Of Michigan Native Plants

Planting native has been a popular topic in recent years. But does it really live up to the hype? The answer is absolutely! From providing habitat and essential food for animals, to their show-stopping blooms, native plants bestow a host of benefits for your backyard and beyond.

  • Monarch butterfly perched on a bright orange butterfly weed bloom.

Growing Native Plants In Northern Michigan

In the past, landscaping and flower gardens were built around non-native ornamental plants with the sole purpose of looking beautiful. Now, however, there is a movement to shift our gardens back to native plants that can look beautiful and improve the overall health of our ecosystem.

  • Long raspberry cane with many raspberries hanging from it ranging from black to red in color. Cane has some green leaves on it and there are several other plants in the background.

How to Grow Raspberry Bushes: Raspberry Growing Guide

There are a few varieties that have been bred to perform well despite Northern Michigan’s weather trends. If you plant a hardy raspberry variety and combine that with the proper soil amendments and care, you’ll be rewarded with a highly fruitful plant that will provide abundant harvests for years to come.

  • A mix of fresh blueberries and raspberries resting in a large, blue bowl.

Grow Your Own Berries In Northern Michigan

A wide variety of berries grow quite well in Northern Michigan. Our sandy soil is mixed with rich nutrients from the lakeshore and the forests, combining to make the ideal medium for growing berries.

  • Several large, ripe blueberries shown on a mature blueberry plant with bright green leaves.

Choosing The Right Blueberry Variety To Grow

Blueberry plants like it here in Northern Michigan. They are a popular, easy to grow fruit that can be a wonderful addition to any backyard. Choosing the right blueberry variety to grow in your space is key to having a large fruit harvest at the end of the season.

  • Four blueberries in different stages of growth on the pink stem of a blueberry plant.

Blueberry Growing Guide For Michigan Gardeners

Blueberries are a specialized plant that require specific soil and climate conditions to successfully grow. Fortunately, Northern Michigan has ideal growing conditions for most varieties of blueberries. You do not need to have a green thumb to grow blueberries (we promise)!

Plant Native Michigan Shrubs For Fall Color

The focal point of any landscaped area can easily be a well-placed shrub. When considering a native shrub for your landscaping, it is important to choose a variety that will grow well in the area you have chosen. Considering space, sunlight, and water needs is an important first step when selecting a new shrub.

All Posts

  • Hoary vervain is drought tolerant and deer resistant once established.

Drought-Tolerant Michigan Natives for Sandy Soils

Want a gorgeous garden in sandy soil or full sun with less watering? Discover Michigan native plants perfect for Great Lakes yards. Start with one drought tolerant wildflower and see pollinators arrive. Save this for your next backyard makeover!

  • Native Wild ginger is often chosen as a ground cover in shade gardens.

Michigan Native Plants for Shade: Dry, Moist, and Deep Shade

Not all gardens get full sun, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of Michigan native plants. From deep shade under trees to dry shade beneath established shrubs, and even moist shade in woodland gardens, there are native species perfectly adapted to thrive in these low-light conditions. Discover which plants bring life, color, and ecological benefits to shady spaces across Michigan.

  • A hydroponic solution can be tested using an EC meter to determine if more or less nutrients should be added.

Home Hydroponic Gardening Manual

Everything you need to know to get started on home hydroponics. Choose the best system to fit your needs, grow the best plants for your system, and learn about everything in between!

  • Stunning in any season, this commercial property for sale offers incredible views of the Traverse City region.

Winter Sowing with Native Plants: A Guide to Success

Winter sowing is a simple, effective way to grow native plants by harnessing the power of nature. By planting seeds in vented containers like gallon milk jugs or salad containers, you create mini greenhouses that protect seeds while exposing them to the cold temperatures they need for germination.

  • White blooms of Northern Bedstraw stand out against the purple flowers of wild bergamot in a native garden setting.

How to Grow Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale)

Learn how to grow Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale), a native plant perfect for naturalized settings and wildlife gardens. From seed starting to landscape design, discover its benefits, growing tips, and uses for sustainable and beautiful gardens

  • Little bluestem grass in the fall once it has turned brown and has grown tufts of seeds at the top.

How to Grow Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium)

How to grow Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) in your garden! This native, low-maintenance perennial grass offers stunning blue-green foliage, erosion control, and seasonal beauty. Perfect for pollinator gardens, prairie restorations, and cottage gardens.

  • Nodding wild onion for pretty native landscape designs.

How to Grow Nodding Wild Onion (Allium cernuum)

Nodding wild onion (Allium cernuum), commonly known as wild garlic or pink onion, is a stunning and adaptable native perennial found throughout the continental United States. This member of the lily family features graceful nodding flower clusters in shades of pink and white, along with delicate grass-like leaves.

  • White flowers on wild strawberries that are planted as groundcover for erosion control in Michigan.

How to Grow Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

Wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana), a charming native ground cover, are prized for their small but flavorful fruits and delicate white blossoms. Found throughout the continental United States, these low-growing plants thrive in diverse conditions, from sunny meadows to partially shaded woodland edges.

  • Chokecherries are a native and edible berry that can be turned into many recipes.

The Ultimate Guide to Growing a Native Chokecherry Tree

The chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), with its rustic beauty and hardy nature, is a prized addition to any garden. This deciduous wonder not only graces landscapes with its elegant white blooms but also brings a host of benefits that resonate well beyond mere aesthetics.

Top 4 Gas Hedge Trimmers

Top 4 Gas Hedge Trimmers Top 4 Gas Hedge Trimmers Gas Hedge Trimmers Gas hedge trimmers typically consist of [...]

  • Garden gloves with some dirt on them used in a comparison for claw garden gloves.

Top Claw Garden Gloves

Top Claw Garden Gloves Top Claw Garden Gloves What Are Claw Garden Gloves? Claw garden gloves are designed to [...]

  • A greenhouse at a plant nursery Traverse City, Michigan.

Plant Nursery Traverse City

Plant Nursery Traverse City Plant Nursery Traverse City Traverse City Plant Nurseries: A Guide To Regional Plants and Gardening Tips Traverse [...]

  • Blackberries ripening in a Michigan yard.

Blackberry Growing Guide

Blackberry Growing Guide Blackberry Growing Guide Growing Blackberries Growing blackberries can be a rewarding experience, and it is a [...]

  • Gardening tools laying on the ground after being voted for the 10 best gardening tools.

10 Best Gardening Tools

10 Best Gardening Tools 10 Best Gardening Tools Invest In Good Gardening Tools Good garden tools can make a huge difference [...]

  • Dormant blueberries started from bare root plants at Bright Lane Gardens.

How To Plant Bare Root Dormant Blueberries

There are many benefits of starting with a dormant plant. This type of vegetation is less susceptible to outside factors, like frost or sunlight. This is because the plant has not yet started to grow for that [...]

  • A tomato plant and marigold flower planted side by side for companion planting.

What Is Companion Planting?

What Is Companion Planting? What Is Companion Planting? What Is Companion Planting? Companion planting is an ancient agricultural technique [...]

  • A row of panicle hydrangeas blooming after a fresh pruning in the springtime.

How To Prune Hydrangeas

How To Prune Hydrangeas How To Prune Hydrangeas Hydrangea Growth And Pruning Hydrangeas are immensely popular flowering bushes that [...]

  • A hand trowel and custom soil blend made for growing blueberries and pepper plants.

Top 5 Organic Fertilizers

Top 5 Organic Fertilizers Top 5 Organic Fertilizers  Why Do Plants Need Organic Fertilizer? Plants need organic fertilizer to [...]

  • A bright yellow forsythia branch after pruning.

When To Prune Forsythia

When To Prune Forsythia When To Prune Forsythia Forsythia Forsythias are beautiful, deciduous shrubs that produce masses of yellow [...]

When To Prune Lilacs

When To Prune Lilacs When To Prune Lilacs Fragrant Lilacs Lilacs are beautiful, fragrant shrubs that produce clusters of [...]

  • A spring flower pops up in a bed of mulched leaves.

How To Mulch Leaves

How To Mulch Leaves How To Mulch Leaves Using Leaves As Mulch Mulching leaves is an easy and environmentally [...]

  • Ripe elderberries ready for harvest in Michigan

Elderberry Growing Guide

Elderberry Growing Guide Elderberry Growing Guide Our Complete Elderberry Guide Elderberries are a fruit that have been used for [...]

  • A young deer with its tongue out in Northern Michigan

Deer Resistant Landscape Design

Deer Resistant Landscape Design Deer Resistant Landscape Design Oh Deer! Deer are a common sight in Northern Michigan, and while they [...]

  • View of landscaping around the edge of a home in Michigan.

Michigan Landscape Design

Michigan Landscape Design Michigan Landscape Design What Is Landscape Design? Landscape design is the intentional planning and arrangement of [...]

  • Several bright red strawberries hang from a plant ready to be picked!

Strawberry Growing Guide

Strawberry Growing Guide Strawberry Growing Guide Grow Fresh Strawberries In Northern Michigan There is truly nothing better than fresh [...]

  • A female American Robin perched in a native tree with berries in the winter.

Planting Native Plants To Attract Birds

There are several native plant species that provide a one-stop-shop for our local birds. Native plants help to provide shelter and building materials for our flying friends, which offer ideal nesting sites for many bird species. Above all, native plants are hosts to an abundant source of food!

  • Monarch Caterpillar on Swamp Milkweed by Larkin Kinsella

Benefits Of Michigan Native Plants

Planting native has been a popular topic in recent years. But does it really live up to the hype? The answer is absolutely! From providing habitat and essential food for animals, to their show-stopping blooms, native plants bestow a host of benefits for your backyard and beyond.

  • Monarch butterfly perched on a bright orange butterfly weed bloom.

Growing Native Plants In Northern Michigan

In the past, landscaping and flower gardens were built around non-native ornamental plants with the sole purpose of looking beautiful. Now, however, there is a movement to shift our gardens back to native plants that can look beautiful and improve the overall health of our ecosystem.

  • Long raspberry cane with many raspberries hanging from it ranging from black to red in color. Cane has some green leaves on it and there are several other plants in the background.

How to Grow Raspberry Bushes: Raspberry Growing Guide

There are a few varieties that have been bred to perform well despite Northern Michigan’s weather trends. If you plant a hardy raspberry variety and combine that with the proper soil amendments and care, you’ll be rewarded with a highly fruitful plant that will provide abundant harvests for years to come.

  • A mix of fresh blueberries and raspberries resting in a large, blue bowl.

Grow Your Own Berries In Northern Michigan

A wide variety of berries grow quite well in Northern Michigan. Our sandy soil is mixed with rich nutrients from the lakeshore and the forests, combining to make the ideal medium for growing berries.

  • Several large, ripe blueberries shown on a mature blueberry plant with bright green leaves.

Choosing The Right Blueberry Variety To Grow

Blueberry plants like it here in Northern Michigan. They are a popular, easy to grow fruit that can be a wonderful addition to any backyard. Choosing the right blueberry variety to grow in your space is key to having a large fruit harvest at the end of the season.

  • Four blueberries in different stages of growth on the pink stem of a blueberry plant.

Blueberry Growing Guide For Michigan Gardeners

Blueberries are a specialized plant that require specific soil and climate conditions to successfully grow. Fortunately, Northern Michigan has ideal growing conditions for most varieties of blueberries. You do not need to have a green thumb to grow blueberries (we promise)!

Plant Native Michigan Shrubs For Fall Color

The focal point of any landscaped area can easily be a well-placed shrub. When considering a native shrub for your landscaping, it is important to choose a variety that will grow well in the area you have chosen. Considering space, sunlight, and water needs is an important first step when selecting a new shrub.