Category Archives: Native Plants

Sowing Native Plant Seeds

A photo of milkweed seeds

For many of us, there’s nothing like the joy of holding a packet of seeds in the winter. Seeds are little morsels of hope that have such potential, especially on cold, wintery days. By Jennifer Schamber [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener Winter 2019 issue.] For many of us, there’s nothing like the joy of holding a

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Plants that Root for You!

picture of Amsonia

From bald eagles to pelicans, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area located in Columbia, Missouri, is a haven for many of Missouri’s waterfowl. By Abby Lapides [This article was first published in the September 2019 issue of The Gateway Gardener.] From bald eagles to pelicans, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area located in Columbia, Missouri, is a haven for many of Missouri’s waterfowl. Eagle

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Garden Worthy Willows

Heart leaved willow fall color

There is perhaps no native plant more ubiquitous than willow, especially black willow (Salix nigra). It comes up in house gutters, garden beds, low farmers’ fields, roadside ditches, pond margins and every creek-side gravel bar in the eastern half of the United States. By Scott Woodbury [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener March 2020 issue.] “Between the

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Compassionate Gardening in a Conventional World

An image of a fountain in a native wildflower garden

The foundational success of our country can be primarily attributed to the vast richness of our natural resources. From fertile farmlands to plentiful hardwood forests to diverse wildlife, the list goes on and on. By Jennifer Schamber [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener March 2019 issue.] The foundational success of our country can be primarily attributed to

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Dried Plant Stalks Important Winter Homes for Bees and More!

Sumac stems

I took my first steps in horticulture walking down a narrow path of age-old gardening traditions. I learned to care for vegetable gardens, a rose garden, a lilac screen and perennial borders each with squarely trimmed hedges and edges. The lawn was cut in a diamond pattern using an old-style reel mower. By Scott Woodbury [This article was first published

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Plant Berry Bushes for the Birds

Cardinal bird in snowy winterberry bush

As a family with an active child, our most successful place to watch birds is through windows. Birds tolerate us that way and we see amazing things while munching granola in our PJs. By Scott Woodbury [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener September 2017 issue.] As a family with an active child, our most successful place to

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Native Plants to Attract Hummingbirds

An image of a hummingbird visiting royal catchfly

When the red buckeye and columbine bloom in April, it signals the time to start looking for the ruby-throated hummingbirds. By Scott Woodbury [This article was first published in The Gateway Gardener April 2016 issue.] When the red buckeye and columbine bloom in April, it signals the time to start looking for the ruby-throated hummingbirds. It pays to look in

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