Ohio’s native plants have thrived in local ecosystems for thousands of years while supporting pollinators and wildlife as a source of food and shelter. They also conserve water, reduce the need for fertilizers and minimize harmful chemical runoff. Despite their benefits, native plants can be hard to find due to lower demand, propagation challenges and the specialized knowledge required to grow them. Fortunately, a growing number of local nurseries are embracing these eco-friendly options, and they’ve got expert tips to help your native garden thrive.
Archers of Arcadia
The mission of this nursery is simple: restore habitat, educate communities and help people reconnect with nature. Through native plants, conservation efforts and hands-on outreach, it’s working to increase biodiversity and environmental wellness. Additionally, Archers of Arcadia offers a wide range of consultations, workshops and guided experiences to help others build thriving landscapes — whether you’re looking to identify the best native plants for your space, attract birds and pollinators or learn sustainable gardening techniques like composting and sheet mulching. 440-452-9823, archer-of-arcadia.com
(Courtesy Avonlea Garden & Inn)
Avonlea Gardens & Inn
Amy and Joe Goletz’s family-run nursery offers a diverse selection of perennials, shrubs, trees, vines, annuals, herbs and succulents, all while helping gardeners find the perfect plants to match their goals. Amy believes that gardening isn’t one size-fits-all and encourages visitors to stop by for help selecting the best native plants for their unique conditions whether it’s full sun, deep shade or tricky soil. Not sure what’s in your dirt? A soil test can unlock the secrets of your garden. “A lot is based on the size of the pot versus the size of the root system, and then you want to consider the material of the pot,” she explains. “So even if you live in an apartment, if you only have a balcony, if you just have a small patio area, you can still grow native plants.” 12511 Fowlers Mill Road, Chardon, 440-622-7225, avonleagardensandinn.com
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Lakewood Garden Center
This nursery is a go-to spot for gardeners looking to add native plants to their landscapes. It carries a great selection of perennials, shrubs and trees that are well-suited to Northeast Ohio’s climate — perfect for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Beyond native plants, the garden center offers a variety of organic products, fertilizers, bagged soils, pottery and garden decor. It sources many of their plants and products from local Northeast Ohio farms and businesses, so shopping here means supporting the community. 13230 Detroit Ave., 216-221-0200, lakewoodgardencenter.net
Maple Ridge Nursery & Greenhouse
This nursery is the hub for a mostly self-grown selection of native plants, perennials and woody ornamentals. Owner Craig Cormack knows Northeast Ohio’s tough, clay-heavy soil can be a challenge, but he has a simple solution: raised beds with organic matter and sand to improve drainage. This small change makes a huge difference, especially in areas prone to waterlogging. “Fortunately, most native plants aren’t as finicky,” explains Cormack. “They’re more tolerant of wet soil than marginal soils, which is advantageous, but like all plants, they all thrive in a loose, organic soil, with good drainage.” He recommends geraniums, cranesbill geraniums, asters and the ever-popular butterfly weed, all of which flourish in local conditions. 7220 Ravenna Road, Concord Township, 440-354-1525, mapleridgegarden.com
(Meadow City Native Plant Nursery Courtesy Alyssa Zearley)
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Meadow City Native Plant Nursery
Established by Ohio State University graduates Julie Slater, Alyssa Zearley and Dave Tomashefski, this nursery specializes in local ecotype plants — native species that are genetically adapted to thrive in Northeast Ohio’s unique climate and soil conditions. They are perfectly timed to bloom and fruit with local wildlife, providing essential food and habitat while creating resilient landscapes. Meadow City employs other eco-friendly practices such as plastic-free, compostable pots and peat-free soil, which protects globally important wetland ecosystems. “A lot of people are interested in reducing their lawn and replacing it with something more ecologically beneficial, and we find that for a lot of beginning gardeners, it’s kind of a mystery,” says Slater. As a solution, the nursery also offers a wealth of resources for growers, like “Shrink Your Lawn” kits with mulch and cardboard to help smother the grass and convert your lawn into a native garden. 15006 Westropp Ave., Cleveland, 216-282-6911, meadowcitynursery.com
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