Plant Natives
Native plants and local pollinators evolved together — natives provide exactly the pollen, nectar, and host leaves our bees, butterflies, and moths need. Here's how to start, no matter your budget or experience.
A quick note: everything below is simply a resource we use and love ourselves. We have no affiliation with these programs, growers, or accounts — no sponsorship and nothing to gain — we're just fellow gardeners passing along what's worked for us.
The Town of Southborough, MA runs a wonderful Winter Sow program: make a commitment to germinate and plant native seeds, and you can sign up to receive them for free. Winter sowing lets the cold weather do the work — no greenhouse or grow lights needed. We've slowly added 4–5 new species a year through this program.
Sign up for free seeds →Growing natives from seed takes patience — if you'd rather start with more established plants, we highly recommend Shannon at The Local Meadow, who grows beautiful native plants.
Visit The Local Meadow →Learn to identify even more invasives — plus all sorts of gardening tips — on social media. We're not on it ourselves, but Jess at You Can Do It Gardening is a wonderful resource to follow.
Follow on Instagram →Ready to go deeper? The UMass Amherst Pollinator Steward Certification Program is a structured course that turns curious gardeners into confident stewards, with science-backed guidance you can apply at home and share with neighbors.
Explore the certificate →Not native-specific, but a welcoming home for native-interested gardeners. The Evening Garden Club of West Roxbury hosts talks and gatherings — a great way to connect with neighbors who love to garden right here in our community.
Visit the club →Know a program, grower, or group that's helped you grow natives or support pollinators? We'd love to hear about it and share it with fellow gardeners.
Suggest a resource →A quick note
A native plant is one that occurred naturally in our region before widespread European settlement — meaning it co-evolved with local wildlife. "Nativars" and non-native ornamentals may look similar but often offer pollinators far less. When in doubt, ask the nursery for the plant's botanical (Latin) name and check whether it's native to Massachusetts.
Ready to make room? Many native gardens start by clearing out an invasive first. See our invasive removal guide →