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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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)!
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.
