Fall Seed Sowing with Native Seeds 2-Hour Hands-On Workshop Location: Blue Stem Natives Greenhouse Join us for a seasonal, hands-on workshop all about sowing native seeds. Most native seeds require a period of cold, moist conditions before they will germinate in the springtime. This two-hour class will guide you through three possible methods of starting native seeds, designed to mimic the natural cycles these seeds require. This class is perfect for anyone curious about how to grow native plants from seed. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your techniques, you’ll leave with practical knowledge and a hands-on head start toward a native garden of your own. We'll also touch on seed cleaning, processing, and storage. Bring all your questions too! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ✔️ Sowing into Pots/Trays: Learn how to prepare and sow native seeds into pots that will stay outdoors in the winter. We’ll cover soil selection, sowing depth, labeling, and how to care for seedlings once they emerge. ✔️ Winter Stratification in Your Fridge: We’ll show you how to safely stratify seeds at home using your refrigerator to mimic winter’s cues. ✔️ Winter Sowing in Milk Jugs: Discover this simple and effective outdoor method of seed starting. You’ll prepare a “mini greenhouse” by cutting and hinging recycled milk jugs, filling them with soil, and sowing seeds that will rest through the winter and sprout in spring. TAKE HOME Each participant will prepare and bring home a sample of all three methods: ✔️ A tray or pot, ready to set outside for winter. ✔️ A small packet of stratifying seeds for the fridge. ✔️ A winter sowing jug to set outside at home. DETAILS • Where: Blue Stem Natives Greenhouse, 376 Washington St., REAR LOT • When: 2 hours, fall session • Age: adult • What to Bring/Wear: All materials are provided. Please dress in layers, as the greenhouse temperatures can vary widely depending on the sun. • Feel free to bring snacks for yourself or a warm drink, it can be chilly in the greenhouse on an overcast day. • Additional seeds will be available to buy (cash or credit card) • We will have empty jugs but feel free to bring one! <<>>

I recently drove by a traffic island planting we designed, installed last year by a wonderful Boy Scout for his Eagle Scout project, and I did a double take. It's a rough spot, a traffic island in the middle of a busy street leading into a State Park, in full sun, hit with road salt all winter, with some debris from traffic. And it's thriving (I'm for sure not taking credit for the thriving, but am patting myself on the back for plant choices!): Here is the complete list of plants we selected for this hellstrip, each chosen specifically for its ability to handle the rough conditions of life on a traffic island: BUTTERFLY MILKWEED, Asclepias tuberosa Delightful vibrant orange blooms atop deep green foliage. The ecological value cannot be stressed enough, the nectar produced by the butterflyweed is high value. 2' tall. PLANTAIN PUSSYTOES, Antennaria plantaginifolia Use this low maintenance plant as a lawn alternative in the harder to grow areas, and enjoy the drought and salt tolerant ease. 12" tall. A Blue Stem favorite! GRAY GOLDENROD, Solidago nemoralis Short and lovely goldenrod often found in disturbed areas, which gives it its other common name “old field goldenrod”. However, these showy yellow wand-like flowers with gray-green stems and leaves are dynamic in a garden setting. PALE BEARDTONGUE, Penstemon pallidus* Grows in well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or rocky garden beds. Its tall, upright habit features clusters of tubular, pale lavender-pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. EASTERN PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS, Opuntia humifusa One would not expect to have a native species of cacti in New England, but the Eastern prickly pear is precisely that! This low growing cactus has wide paddles covered in the requisite spines, large yellow blossoms are followed red fruit. SMALL YELLOW WILD INGIGO, Baptisia tinctoria The sturdy shrub-like stems produce multitudes of cream-yellow flowers in the late spring, and once established in the garden can handle fairly harsh conditions. (*In the hellstrip photos at the beginning, you'll see the not-quite-native Penstemon digitalis. Some of the plants had to be sourced from a specific grower linked to the state and that's what they had. We recommend Penstemon pallidus, pale beardtongue, instead — a true New England native.) I hadn't heard the term 'hellstrip' until I moved to New England from the Midwest. Much like I hadn't heard of a 'rotary' either. Back home, those are roundabouts. The first time someone told me to turn left at the rotary, I genuinely thought, 'Oh, do they have a Rotary International chapter here?' They do not. But I digress. New England roadsides may just be one of the more challenging areas to plant. The requirements look like a nightmare job posting. Wanted: Low-maintenance blooming plants that don’t grow too tall and need little care to establish. Must be able to tolerate the following conditions: Higher than average heat as radiated from the asphalt roadways and pollution from vehicles, dry, nutrient-deprived, sandy soil which is often hard packed, half of the year you will experience drought, the other half you will be covered with mountains of snow and will often have salt winged over you. You need to be attractive, not weedy, and you can’t grow too tall so as to block the view of drivers. You may need to respond well to periodic mowing, self-seeding is a plus. Compensation from pollinators commensurate with experience. Planting a hellstrip brings beauty to a spot that would otherwise be compacted soil with weeds growing willy-nilly, or someone's doomed attempt at turf grass that was almost certainly never going to succeed. Some communities even come together to plant hellstrips in a coordinated way, turning a string of these forgotten patches into green corridors that connect neighborhoods. If you are up to the challenge, here are additional native plants that have all passed our “most likely to succeed” criteria. Best of Luck! YARROW Achillea millefolium 12-18" tall Feathery foliage, drought tough, pollinator favorite SEASIDE GOLDENROD Solidago sempervirens usually 2' in poor soils Salt tolerant, bright yellow fall blooms PURPLE LOVEGRASS Eragrostis spectabilis 2' tall Airy purple seed heads, fall color SPOTTED BEE BALM Monarda punctata Unusual blooms, deer resistant, pollinator magnet SIDE-OATS GRAMA Bouteloua curtipendula 2' tall Oat-like seedheads, drought tolerant BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 4" tall Evergreen groundcover, low spreading PATH RUSH Juncus tenuis 4-12" tall Tough, wiry, handles foot traffic WHITE GOLDENROD Solidago bicolor 1-3' tall Soft white plumes, fall blooms RUNNING GROUNDSEL Packera obovata 12-18" tall Spring blooms, spreads well, evergreen rosette SQUIRREL TAIL GRASS Hordeum jubatum 1-2' tall Whimsical bristly seedheads BLACK-EYED SUSAN Rudbeckia hirta 2' tall Cheerful, reliable bloomer, pollinator favorite SEASIDE PLANTAIN Plantago maritima 6" tall Succulent-like, low-growing LITTLE BLUESTEM Schizachyrium scoparium 2' tall Blue-green summer, copper fall color SUNDROPS Oenothera fruticosa 1-2' tall Bright yellow blooms, low groundcover, drought tolerant Happy planting! Britt

A hot topic lately is how to have less lawn — and honestly, it's about time. Traditional turf grass doesn't offer much to the environment. It requires regular fertilizer and irrigation to stay green, demands constant mowing to satisfy the neighborhood aesthetic, and the gas-powered equipment we use to maintain it — mowers, leaf blowers, edgers — takes a real toll. Gas powered garden equipment engines produce up to 5% of the nation’s air pollution. That said, some turf grass does have its place. If you've got kids playing soccer in the backyard, or you host summer barbecues, having some open grass makes sense. Nobody's asking you to rip out everything. But here's the thing — Lawns cover approximately 40 million acres in the U.S., making turf the single largest irrigated "crop" in the country — lawns take up an enormous amount of space and energy, and give almost nothing back to local wildlife. Their shallow root systems (often only 2–3 inches deep) do little to absorb stormwater runoff, contributing to erosion and water pollution in local waterways. "Can't I just add clover?" It's a reasonable thought — and a popular one — but unfortunately, we don't love this non-solution solution. Adding non-native clover is really just swapping one monoculture for another. It also attracts honeybees as the clovers sold for lawns mostly co-evolved with the non-native honeybee (honeybees are a story for another day). So if you enjoy walking barefoot in your yard and prefer not to find that out the hard way that honeybees love clover... skip the clover. Don't ask me how my feet know...twice...in the span of two days. So what can you do? The good news is there's a whole spectrum of options — from small tweaks to full transformations — depending on what you need from your yard. Here are a few places to start: Option 1: Think "area rug," not "wall-to-wall carpet" You don't have to eliminate your lawn entirely. Even shrinking it by a foot or two along the edges and replacing that border with low native groundcover makes a real difference for pollinators, birds, and soil health. Some easy, currently available, and low growing favorites, depending on your conditions: Part sun/shade: Heartleaf foamflower, Tiarella cordifolia Golden groundsel, Packera aurea American alum root, Heuchera americana Full sun: 3-toothed cinquefoil, Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (a personal favorite) Pale beardtongue, Penstemon pallidus Stiff aster, Ionactis linariifolia Or go a little bolder and put in a small wildflower bed right alongside your lawn: Part sun/shade: Spreading Jacob's ladder, Polemonium reptans White wood aster, Eurybia divaricata Hairy beardtongue, Penstemon hirsutus Great blue lobelia, Lobelia siphilitica Full sun: Pearly everlasting, Anaphalis margaritacea Gray goldenrod, Solidago nemoralis Butterfly milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa Running groundsel, Packera obovata Cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis Or go a little extra wild and make your lawn just paths through plantings. My dad created paths throughout their property, with occasional mowing, and walking those paths was really magical. Great photo from New Directions in the American Landscape. I highly recommend watching and reading everything Larry Weaner. Option 2: Replace your lawn with something that looks like a lawn (but isn't) Want something that still feels like a lawn — low, green, potentially walkable — without the neverending mowing commitment? A native sedge or grass lawn might be exactly what you're looking for. These can be mowed occasionally if you like, or left alone entirely, and they provide far more ecological value than turf. A sedge lawn in particular is one of our favorites for its soft, lush look that requires almost no maintenance once established. We're actually selling sedge and grass plug packs for the month of May only — once these are gone, we won't be restocking this year. All of these species can be left to grow but can also be mowed, they just need a heck of a lot less mowing than tradiitonal turf. And zero fertlizer. Species Sold as a Set of: Price per Flat/Plug Details: Pennsylvania sedge Carex pensylvanica 16 plugs $96 ($6 each) Part sun in average to dry sites. Ok in full sun with more moisture. 8" tall without mowing. Appalachian sedge Carex appalachica 16 plugs $96 ($6 each) Part sun to shade, average to dry sites. 8" tall without mowing. Eastern star sedge Carex radiata 16 plugs $96 ($6 each) Part sun to shade, moist to average sites. 12" tall without mowing. Side oats grama Bouteloua curtipendula 25 plugs $99.95 ($3.99 each) Sunny and dry to average sites. 2' tall without mowing. Purple lovegrass Eragrostis spectabilis 25 plugs $99.95 ($3.99 each) Sunny and dry sites. 2' tall without mowing. Option 3: "The Matrix" No not that "Matrix". Take Option 2 and spice it up a little. Matrix planting is a naturalistic approach to garden design where you create a plant community rather than placing individual specimen plants. Instead of spotting plants here and there, you weave together multiple species across a large area so they form an interlocking, self-sustaining tapestry — mimicking how plants grow together in the wild. The concept was popularized by designers like Piet Oudolf (New York City High Line) and researchers like James Hitchmough, and it translates beautifully to native plant gardening because you're essentially rebuilding a small piece of the plant community that originally belonged in your region. The Basic Structure A matrix planting typically has two layers: The matrix (ground layer) — one or a few tough, adaptable species planted in high density that spread to "hold" the space. These are your workhorses. See all those sedges and grasses in the Option 2 section above? Those would all work perfectly as the matrix. You can even grab a few flats of different species and mix them! The design plants — flowering perennials, taller grasses, or even small shrubs woven through the matrix at a lower density. These provide seasonal interest, extra pollinator value, and visual variety. We have some great species, avaiable now although...as Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast..." — and so do our plants. Check "Option 1" for some great additions to your matrix. Why Matix Plantings Work So Well for Native Plants Native plants evolved in communities, so matrix planting aligns with how they actually grow. The benefits are significant: Weed suppression — dense planting leaves no bare soil for weeds to colonize Lower maintenance — once established, the community is largely self-regulating Ecological value — layered, diverse plantings support far more insects, birds, and pollinators than traditional beds Resilience — if one species struggles, others fill the gap Thanks for Reading! If you'd like to dig deeper into lawn replacement and making your outdoor space work harder for the environment, here are some additional resources: Todd Bitner, Cornell University, great podcast interview Why a Clover Lawn is Not Helping, Prairie Up (great Matrix resources as well) Mark Richardson "Kill your lawn", he talks about specific methods to get rid of your lawn Three Native Sedges Made for the Shade, Dyck Arboretum An Experiment in Organic Lawn to Meadow Conversion: A Timeline, NDAL :) Britt

Guest post by Olivia Nicholson Each year in early spring, something remarkable happens across the forests of Massachusetts. As snow melts and the first warm rains arrive, amphibians begin emerging from their winter shelters and making their way toward temporary wetlands known as vernal pools. For nature enthusiasts, this moment marks the start of herping season—the time of year when people venture outdoors to observe reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats. From quiet forest floors to shallow seasonal pools, these ecosystems come alive with movement, sound, and new life. Vernal pool season offers a unique opportunity to witness the interconnected relationships between amphibians, native plants, and the delicate habitats that support them. What is Herping? Herping is the practice of searching for and observing reptiles and amphibians in the wild. Many people associate herping with summer hikes or exploring rocky outcrops, but in New England, some of the most exciting herping happens during early spring nights. On the first warm, rainy evenings of the season, amphibians migrate en masse to breeding sites. These “big nights” can reveal an incredible diversity of species moving across forest floors and roads as they head toward vernal pools. Observers may encounter species such as the striking yellow-spotted Spotted Salamander, the energetic breeding choruses of the Spring Peeper, or the explosive breeding migrations of the Wood Frog. For many naturalists, witnessing these migrations is both thrilling and humbling—a reminder that even small, hidden ecosystems play a vital role in the rhythms of spring. Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) photo courtesy of Olivia Nicholson The Magic of Vernal Pools Vernal pools are temporary wetlands that fill with rainwater and snowmelt during the spring. Unlike permanent ponds, they typically dry out during the summer months. While this may seem like a disadvantage, it actually makes vernal pools incredibly valuable habitats. Because they dry periodically, vernal pools do not support fish populations. This creates a safe breeding environment for amphibians whose eggs and larvae would otherwise be vulnerable to fish predators. Species such as the Spotted Salamander, Blue-spotted Salamander, and Wood Frog depend heavily on these seasonal wetlands for reproduction. Adults migrate to the pools in early spring, laying eggs that hatch into aquatic larvae or tadpoles. These young amphibians must grow quickly, completing their development before the pools eventually dry later in the year. Despite their temporary nature, vernal pools are among the most productive and important breeding habitats for amphibians in the region. The Hidden Role of Native Plants While amphibians may be the most visible residents of vernal pools, native plants play an essential supporting role in maintaining these ecosystems. Plants such as Skunk Cabbage, Red Maple, Sensitive Fern, and Highbush Blueberry commonly grow in the damp forests and wetlands surrounding vernal pools. These plants help regulate moisture levels, stabilize soil, and provide shade that prevents pools from drying too quickly. The fallen leaves from native trees and shrubs create thick layers of leaf litter across the forest floor. This leaf litter serves as critical shelter for amphibians during much of the year, providing protection from predators and helping maintain the moist conditions amphibians require for their permeable skin. Additionally, native plants support diverse insect communities. These insects form the foundation of the food web that sustains amphibians throughout their life cycles. Blue Stem Native's resident American Toad "Roberta" photo courtesy of Olivia Nicholson Amphibians and Plants: An Ecological Partnership Amphibians and native plants are deeply connected through their shared environment. Plants help create the cool, moist habitats amphibians need to survive, while amphibians play their own role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By feeding on insects and other invertebrates, amphibians help regulate populations that might otherwise damage vegetation. Their presence also contributes to nutrient cycling within forest and wetland ecosystems. When amphibians move between aquatic and terrestrial habitats, they transport nutrients between these environments, linking different parts of the ecosystem together. Because amphibians are sensitive to environmental changes, their presence—or absence—can also serve as an indicator of ecosystem health. Healthy amphibian populations often signal that surrounding forests, wetlands, and plant communities are functioning well. How You Can Celebrate Vernal Pool Season Vernal pool season offers a wonderful opportunity for people to connect with nature and observe one of spring’s most fascinating natural events. There are many ways to participate: Visit local conservation areas that contain vernal pools Join guided amphibian migration walks Listen for the nighttime calls of spring peepers Look for salamander or frog egg masses in shallow pools Plant native species in your yard to support wildlife habitat Organizations such as the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Vernal Pool Association often host educational programs and volunteer opportunities related to vernal pool monitoring and amphibian conservation. Practicing Responsible Herping While herping can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to observe wildlife responsibly. Amphibians are vulnerable to habitat disturbance, disease, and environmental stress. Responsible herping practices include: Observing animals without collecting them Avoiding handling amphibians whenever possible Staying on established trails Never disturbing egg masses or breeding sites Respecting protected habitats and private land By observing wildlife carefully and respectfully, herpers can help ensure these fragile ecosystems remain intact for future generations. Pickerel frog (Lithobates palustris) photo courtesy of Olivia Nicholson A Season Worth Celebrating Though they may appear small and temporary, vernal pools are incredibly important ecosystems that support a surprising diversity of life. Each spring, these shallow wetlands become the stage for remarkable amphibian migrations, new generations of frogs and salamanders, and a vibrant web of plant and animal interactions. Celebrating herping season is more than just a chance to see fascinating animals—it’s an opportunity to appreciate the complex relationships that sustain healthy forests and wetlands. So the next time a warm spring rain falls in Massachusetts, consider stepping outside and listening carefully. You might just hear the unmistakable chorus of spring peepers announcing that vernal pool season has arrived.

Shop locally grown New England native plants, seeds, and garden goods in Massachusetts at Blue Stem Natives. Women-owned business. Supporting pollinators, birds, and healthy ecosystems. New England Native Plants for Every Project Plants for homeowners, landscapers, towns & designers — Located in Norwell, Massachusetts Shop Plants Shop Seeds Current Inventory Visit Us Why Native? Native plants support wildlife, strengthen ecosystems, and thrive in New England conditions. • Eco-friendly & sustainable • Resilient in volatile weather • Provide essential food & habitat • Restore healthy soil & ecosystems Favorite Plants Looking for a place to start? For At-Risk Wildlife Hummingbird Favorites Sunny+Dry Deer Resistant Groundcovers Salt Tolerant TESTIMONIALS

Garden Kits - Mix and Match Quarts Mix and Match! Buy 14 quart-size pots and get 1 quart-size pot free. Design tip: groups of odd numbers like 3 or 5 look best together, :) Need a cheat sheet to see what's available in 1 quart size? Check out this week’s inventory, always up to date. ENTER CODE AT CHECKOUT FOR FREE PLANT: "MIXFREEBIE ", only applicable to this garden kit. Species 1 Select Species 2 Select Species 3 Select Species 4 Select Species 5 Select Species 6 Select Species 7 Select Species 8 Select Species 9 Select Error loading plants. Please refresh. Add to Cart Species 10 Select Species 11 Select Species 12 Select Species 13 Select Species 14 Select Species 15 Select

Sign up for Blue Stem Natives newsletters for updates on native plants, seeds, workshops, and seasonal happenings. > About > Newsletters > Newsletter Archive Don't want to miss the next newsletter? Sign up at the bottom of any page on the website! Newsletter subscribers receive the first notification of sales, events, and more. We never share your email address. Newsletters are listed NEWEST FIRST: 2025 Early summer, 2025 : BSN goes mobile and discounts Late-late spring, 2025: bird houses and plant vignettes at BSN Late spring, 2025: Garden cleanup and garden planning part 2. Early spring, 2025: Invasive species and garden planning part 1. Late winter, 2025 : Veggies, photo contest winners, and Monarchs Winter, 2025: Celebrating black history month and a photo contest! 2024 Early winter, 2024: a holiday market and workshops Mid autumn, 2024: Seeds and autumn chores Autumn, 2024: Seed sowing resources Early autumn, 2024: Best time to plant and seed mixes Extra late summer, 2024: Native plant resources Late summer, 2024: Watering 101 Mid-late summer, 2024: Gardening in the summer and all about our pots Summer, 2024: Giveaway bonanza and natives for newbies. Early summer, 2024: Garden nibblers and meet our new pot filler! Spring, 2024: All about native shrubs: edible, wonderfully scented, and fancy! Early spring, 2024: Veggies, space invaders, and plant of the month club Late winter, 2024: C.S.A. and invasive species removal 2023 November, 2023: Winter events in-person and online October, 2023 : Thank you discounts and seed updates Late September, 2023: On-the-road and berries for birds Early September, 2023: End-of summer update s, new sp ecies and fun giveaways. August, 2023: Great organizations + Gardening in dry soil with native plants. Late July, 2023: Pollinators + Plants. Early July, 2023: Shrub sale and "Mini-Guide to Gardening for Monarchs". June, late, 2023: Monarchs, shrubs, and giveaways. June, early, 2023: Sustainability at Blue Stem. May, late, 2023: What's in bloom at Blue Stem. May, early, 2023: Soil, bokashi composting, and Mother's day. April, 2023: Growing updates and veggies. Getting ready for opening. March, 2023: Meet our wonderful employees! Plus garden design and plant updates. February, 2023 : Winter interest in the garden and our C.S.A. January, 2023: Workshops! 2022 Early winter, 2022: Greenhouse updates and gift cards Fall, 2022: Seeds and sowing resource Early fall, 2022 : Top ten fall gardening chores and great discounts Late summer, 2022 : Celebrating Wild Ones, seeds, and more. Summer, 2022: Big Blue Stem News + garden kits Early summer, 2022 : WHY native plants and all about rain barrels Late spring, 2022 : Gardening for life and plant spotlight Late spring, 2022 : A giveaway, trading post, and Blue Stem updates Spring 2022 : Looking for something to plant but not sure where to start? What to plant... 2021 Winter, 2021 : Greenhouse update, news, and new species (spoiler, we went a little overboard). Late Fall, 2021: Tips for your garden in the fall. Favorite online presentations. Early Fall, 2021: Thank you so much for all of your support this year! Summer, 2021: Updates, additional hours and great new plants and items! Spring, 2021: Our first newsletter! Blue Stem Natives updates