Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. The Habitat Project, a 2025 Giveaway! Thanks to all who submitted applications for the $500 Habitat Project this year. The 2025 Grant recipient has been announced as Eastie Farm, Boston. We are providing: Up to 50 one-quart pots or 130 landscape plugs (or a mix of the two) of regionally appropriate native plants, the equivalent of $525 in plants. and personalized assistance in selecting the right species for your site and goals. Think your organization could be a fit? Apply in 2026! Timing Applications are being accepted now through August 14, 2025. Winner will be announced on September 1, 2025. If your organization is selected, plants will need to be picked up within two weeks of September 1, 2025. Who Can Apply? We’re looking for: ✅ Non-profit organizations, schools, libraries, community groups, municipalities, etc ✅ Groups where a new or expanded native garden would provide more than just visual appeal—think educational opportunities, community engagement, or ecological impact ✅ A clear and sustainable plan for maintaining the garden for at least two years (watering, weeding, and general care). Please note: We’ve seen too many promising gardens fail due to lack of follow-up care. Your plan for ongoing maintenance will be a critical factor in our selection process. The Details Plants must be picked up at our location (we do not ship). We are not able to provide planting services, nor upkeep, but we’re happy to advise on site prep and planting. Plants larger than the 1 quart or plug size are not included in this giveaway. No purchase needed to apply. Plants will not be replaced due to loss, and cannot be returned for cash nor credit. Closed for 2025 Group/organization name* Town* Applicant's name* Applicant's position or relation the the group* Applicant Email* Phone number* Describe potential site including sun, soil, accessibility, and any challenges (e.g. invasive plants being removed)* Has the head of the organization, head of land care, or land owner granted approval for applying for plants?* Mission of Your Organization* How will a native garden enrich your organization’s mission?* Who will prepare the site and install the plants?* Who will take care of watering and weeding for at least two years?* optional: a photo of the site Upload File Submit

Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. > Ecological Organizations > If you are a non-profit organization you can apply for a 15% discount on plants. Please note that we ask for a minimum order of $250 for this discount to apply, and all applicable tax exempt forms need to be submitted prior to ordering. Email us at info@bluestemnatives.com prior to purchasing so we can complete paperwork for tax exempt status. Once approved you can shop in person. Ecological Organizations

Educational presentations on New England native plants, pollinators, and ecosystems. Available for groups, organizations, and communities. Presentations Bring native plant expertise directly to your organization, library, garden club, or community group. Our talks mix science, stories, and practical guidance—designed to help New Englanders build healthier, more resilient landscapes. _________________________________ ______ _____ Length 45–60 minute presentation + 15 minutes for Q&A _________________________________ ______ _____ Pricing (2025) In-person: $350 Zoom: $300 (Bookings made before January 1, 2026 lock in 2025 pricing.) _________________________________ ______ _____ Requirements We’ll bring a laptop. You provide a projector and screen. Adaptors available if needed. _________________________________ ______ _____ Recording and sharing You may record and share within your organization with proper credit. _________________________________ ______ _____ In person presentations We primarily serve the South Shore and Southeastern Massachusetts. Events outside this area may require travel fees. _________________________________ ______ _____ Seasonality Presentations are available year-round. _________________________________ _______ ____ 👉 To request a presentation, complete the form on this page. Request a Presentation Ready to book? Complete the form and we’ll reply within 5-8 business days to confirm details and scheduling. Name Organization Email Phone Select a Presentation (see below) Choose an option Select first preference * required 12:00 AM 12:15 AM 12:30 AM 12:45 AM 01:00 AM 01:15 AM 01:30 AM 01:45 AM 02:00 AM 02:15 AM 02:30 AM 02:45 AM 03:00 AM 03:15 AM 03:30 AM 03:45 AM 04:00 AM 04:15 AM 04:30 AM 04:45 AM 05:00 AM 05:15 AM 05:30 AM 05:45 AM 06:00 AM 06:15 AM 06:30 AM 06:45 AM 07:00 AM 07:15 AM 07:30 AM 07:45 AM 08:00 AM 08:15 AM 08:30 AM 08:45 AM 09:00 AM 09:15 AM 09:30 AM 09:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 01:00 PM 01:15 PM 01:30 PM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 02:15 PM 02:30 PM 02:45 PM 03:00 PM 03:15 PM 03:30 PM 03:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM 04:30 PM 04:45 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 05:30 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 PM 06:30 PM 06:45 PM 07:00 PM 07:15 PM 07:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:00 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM 08:45 PM 09:00 PM 09:15 PM 09:30 PM 09:45 PM 10:00 PM 10:15 PM 10:30 PM 10:45 PM 11:00 PM 11:15 PM 11:30 PM 11:45 PM 02:30 PM Select second preference * required 12:00 AM 12:15 AM 12:30 AM 12:45 AM 01:00 AM 01:15 AM 01:30 AM 01:45 AM 02:00 AM 02:15 AM 02:30 AM 02:45 AM 03:00 AM 03:15 AM 03:30 AM 03:45 AM 04:00 AM 04:15 AM 04:30 AM 04:45 AM 05:00 AM 05:15 AM 05:30 AM 05:45 AM 06:00 AM 06:15 AM 06:30 AM 06:45 AM 07:00 AM 07:15 AM 07:30 AM 07:45 AM 08:00 AM 08:15 AM 08:30 AM 08:45 AM 09:00 AM 09:15 AM 09:30 AM 09:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 01:00 PM 01:15 PM 01:30 PM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 02:15 PM 02:30 PM 02:45 PM 03:00 PM 03:15 PM 03:30 PM 03:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM 04:30 PM 04:45 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 05:30 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 PM 06:30 PM 06:45 PM 07:00 PM 07:15 PM 07:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:00 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM 08:45 PM 09:00 PM 09:15 PM 09:30 PM 09:45 PM 10:00 PM 10:15 PM 10:30 PM 10:45 PM 11:00 PM 11:15 PM 11:30 PM 11:45 PM 02:30 PM Give us more details Submit Thanks! We’ll send you an email shortly. Presentation Options Why Native The in's and outs of native plants in the landscape presented by Kristen Our cornerstone presentation introduces native plants and explains the benefits adding native plants to our landscape can bring. We give tangible advice on how to add native plants to your landscape along with suggestions on what to plant to replace problematic ornamentals. Save the Bees Native plants for native pollinators presented by Kristen There are myriad differences between the well-known honeybees and our native bee species. This presentation focuses on the honeybee and our native bumblebees. From nesting to foraging, these species differ in just about every way! Learn how to build habitat that best supports our native bee species. Ms. Fix-it Mother Nature's solutions for everyday landscaping issues presented by Kristen Mother Nature is the ultimate DIY-er. Following her lead, we can fix many of the issues that plague us as landowners. This presentation gives tangible advice for fixing a lot of problems we face in our yards, either with water (too much or not enough!), poor soil, unwanted pests, trouble spots, and regeneration of depleted areas. Plants and Pollinators Bring on the bugs! presented by Kristen Plants and Pollinators gets more specific about the species of insects you might see when you add certain plants to your landscape. We discuss the different ways insects interact with plants and use them for habitat. The focus is often on bees and butterflies, but we introduce other pollinators such as ants, wasps, and other organisms. Saving Native Seed The whys , hows , wheres , and whats of saving native seed. presented by Britt We will take you through the whys, hows, wheres, and whats of saving native seed. From best collecting methods, cleaning, to winter sowing. And of course we will chat "why native". Join us for this presentation and bring home the knowledge to save and grow from seed. ( Please note this presentation is available between the months of August - October.) Garden for Life Using Native Plants in the Landscape. presented by Kristen Native plants have immense value outside of just looking pretty. Having bountiful native plants in your garden helps to support beneficial insects, serves to conserve and improve water, reduces dependency on pesticides, and so much more. We will discuss why it is important to choose native plants, how to choose the best plants for your space, and how to care for your garden. Climate Conscious Gardening Building Sustainable Landscapes presented by Kristen Having just experienced the 4th hottest and driest summer on record (Really? Only the 4th!) many gardeners are looking forlornly at their parched landscapes and wondering if they are going to be able to enjoy gardening again as these climate trends continue. Kristen Nicholson from Blue Stem Natives has some sustainable, affordable, and fun! options for building a gorgeous living landscape, presenting plant choices and landscaping techniques that will help ensure your garden will be able to survive both deluges and droughts for many years to come.

No plans available Once there are plans available for purchase, you’ll see them here. Back to Home Page

Review ordering, pickup, and other policies for purchasing New England native plants and seeds from Blue Stem Natives. > About > Policies > Policies Return policy First and foremost we want your plants to thrive! We only send out very happy, healthy plants that are ready to bring home. Please connect with us if you have any questions. info@bluestemnatives.com . We love to chat plants. Plants, trees, shrubs, and seeds are non-returnable. We will work on a case-by-case basis regarding plant death, and any replacement will be up to the discretion of Blue Stem Natives. We want your garden to be a success, please contact us at the first sign of trouble so that we may try to help! We will accept returns of (non-plant) retail merchandise within 14 days of purchase in resaleable condition only. Proof of purchase must be presented when requesting refund. Refund will be processed in the form of original payment. Privacy policy Thank you for choosing to be part of our community at Blue Stem Natives. We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy notice, or our practices with regards to your personal information, please contact us at info@bluestemnatives.com . The bottom line is that we take your privacy very seriously. Click here for more detailed...wordy...information .

New to gardening? Learn how to get started with New England native plants using simple, practical guidance for Massachusetts gardens. > New to Gardening? > Hello! Welcome! We are so glad you are here! This page is a great place to start on your native plant journey. You'll find some useful information, lists of our favorite plants for newbies, and more information on how you can support our local wildlife. About Native Plants Why We Love insects...and You Should Too Planting How-To What's in a Name Ten Great Plants for Newbies Great Reading Great Videos What is a Native Plant? For all intents and purposes we consider a native plant one that occurred here naturally prior to large European settlement. Native people moved plants around for production and collection. But that's different from bringing in a species from another continent. Here are some top reasons: Wildlife: Sustainability: Restorative: Climate Change: Soil Stabilization: Why Native? Why We Love Scientific Names but Common Names are Good Too! Prior to Carl Linnaeus developing a system of classification and for naming things in the world Canis familiaris (dog!), or Monarda fistulosa (Bee balm) plants were named very regionally. So what you might call "Shadbush" your cousin may call "Serviceberry" and your other cousin may call it "Juneberry". It can get awfully confusing but but Amelanchier canadensis is the same thing and there's only one botanical name. Amelanchier is the Genus and there are other Amelanchier species such as the Amelanchier alnifolia , Amelanchier arborea , and Amelanchier humilis , and so on. These are all different species but have similarities to Amelanchier canadensis . There is only one Amelanchier canadensis as that is the genus and the species name together. Scientific names often describe a plant. Monarda punctata for example. (add info) "Scientific name" is also called "botanical name", "binomial nomenclature", or "Latin name" (although plant names are a mix of Latin and Greek). But you don't need to know any of this to bring plants home! We know common names too! Book a class What is a Native Plant? There are several definitions we can apply to "what" makes something native. For all intents and purposes we consider a native plant one that occurred here naturally prior to large European settlement. Native people moved plants around for production and collection. But that's different from bringing in a burining bush from Asia. Book a class What is a Native Plant? There are several definitions we can apply to "what" makes something native. For all intents and purposes we consider a native plant one that occurred here naturally prior to large European settlement. Native people moved plants around for production and collection. But that's different from bringing in a burining bush from Asia. Book a class What is a Native Plant? There are several definitions we can apply to "what" makes something native. For all intents and purposes we consider a native plant one that occurred here naturally prior to large European settlement. Native people moved plants around for production and collection. But that's different from bringing in a burining bush from Asia. Book a class When to Plant A lot of new gardeners believe, based on traditional garden center timing, that they have to plant in April and be done. That is not at all how we look at planting native. Any time you plant native is a good time! Native plants can be planted any time of the year you can work the soil. July and August you will have to add more supplemental water. Book a class How to Plant A lot of new gardeners believe, based on traditional garden center timing, that they have to plant in April and be done. That is not at all how we look at planting native. Any time you plant native is a good time! Native plants can be planted any time of the year you can work the soil. July and August you will have to add more supplemental water. Book a class You've Planted...Now What?! A lot of new gardeners believe, based on traditional garden center timing, that they have to plant in April and be done. That is not at all how we look at planting native. Any time you plant native is a good time! Native plants can be planted any time of the year you can work the soil. July and August you will have to add more supplemental water. Book a class Some Helpful Tips Native plants are just plants. They need soil, rain and sun. You don't need to be an expert to plant native. Pick the plant to fit the soil you already have rather than trying to change the soil to find the plants you wanted. You shouldn't need to use any fertilizer with native plants. Our website is a great tool for finding plants that fit your needs. You can filter by sun, soil, height, bloom time, wildlife, etc. For example here is a search for perennials for sun, moist soil, and deer resistance. You can clear the filters and make your own. Depending on the time of the year and the weather you'll want to water well just for the first few weeks. Trees and shrubs will take longer to establish. If you put the right plants in the right soil you should not need to supplementally water your plants after that. Plants generally look great in large swaths. So if you are going to buy ten plants consider buying all the same or 5 each of two species. Also, odd numbers look better to the eye. We love questions from newer gardeners sp feel free to email us any time info@bluestemnatives.com . All questions are worthwhile. Duration: 1 hour Book a class What is a Host Plant? Host plants are plants that an organism lives on and lives off of. Insects from the microscopic to the massive use plants as hosts. For our purpose, we will chat insects, specifically we'll focus on Lepidoptera. 🐛🦋 Doug Tallamy is a beloved entomologist whose research indicates that 90ish%+ of insects need a specific plant(s) to survive. These insects are called SPECIALISTS. The very small remainder are GENERALISTS and can consume whatever comes their way. One SPECIALIST we all know and love is the Monarch Butterfly. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on any milkweed plant (Asclepias spp.) because their caterpillars can only consume milkweed. Wicked smaht. As an adult form, the Monarch butterfly can fly away and drink nectar from a wide range of plants BUT at their larval stage, the caterpillar, they can only survive and grow on milkweed. No milkweed=no more Monarchs. This is a tiny list of other specialists and their HOST PLANTS, several are ENDANGERED in Massachusetts: • American lady : pussytoes (Antennaria spp.) • Spicebush swallowtail : spicebush (Lindera benzoin)+ • Henry's elfin : blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)+ • Luna moth : shagbark hickory (Carya glabra)+ • New Jersey Tea inchworm : New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) • Frosted elfin : wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria)+ • Pink streak : switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and the list goes ON and ON and ON... What can you do? PLANT NATIVE! For more reading: Superfoods in the Insect Garden List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Sepcies Butterfly Larval Host Plant List Butterfly Host Plan Book a class Monarchs Let's talk Monarchs with the caveat that we have an ulterior motive. We want you to understand that there are SO many butterflies just like the Monarch that are threatened by human activity. If you haven't read the "What is a Host Plant" tab above, click on that first and then come back here. We'll wait! Monarchs are big, beautiful, easy to identify, and have a heroic migration. They are absolutely fascinating. So it's understandable that we are all so in awe of them. So what's happening with them and what can we do? How did monarch butterflies become threatened? Monarch caterpillars rely on a single plant genus for sustenance. The plants in the Asclepias (Milkweed) genus are the host plants for monarch larvae, and have become the only plants that the caterpillars can eat while they grow through their stages of being a caterpillar. As increased usage of herbicides, human population growth, and agricultural spread occurred, many of the naturally occurring milkweed plants were destroyed, drastically reducing the availability of the only food source these insects can survive on. What can we do? Plant milkweed, and then plant more milkweed, and then tell your neighbors they should plant some milkweed. Don't spray, even the "natural" mosquito spray is indescriminate insecticide. Put up a sign so people know you are planting for wildlife. (add link to e-book) Book a class Insects! Host plants are plants that an organism lives on and lives off of. Insects from the microscopic to the massive use plants as hosts. For our purpose, we will chat insects, specifically we'll focus on Lepidoptera.+

Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. > About > Blue Stem goes mobile > Blue Stem Goes Mobile! We’ve officially bought a horse trailer—and we’re turning it into a traveling pop-up plant shop to reach more corners of Massachusetts. It’s still a work in progress, but we’re aiming to hit the road around August 1, 2025. Want to bring our mobile shop to your town? Whether it’s a garden club, library, school, or community event, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out and let’s make it happen! Please note we are licensed to sell plants in Massachusetts so can't travel outside of the state lines. Let us know if you would like us to travel to your town! Name* Email* Subject Town (must be in Massachusetts as that's where we are licensed)* Group/Affiliation* Location we could potentially have the pop up shop Expected number of customers Write a message Send

Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Seed Stratification Codes Home > Seeds > Seed Sowing > Seed Mixes > Seed Mixes INSTRUCTIONS FOR SOWING YOUR NATIVE SEED MIX You'll find these instructions come with any seed mixes you purchase: We’ve selected a variety of species to fill many niches: heights, root systems, seasons, and time over years. You’ll find some species are quick to grow and bloom and will fade after a few years while others will take time. Timing Native seeds, for the most part, need to be sown in the fall so that they can go through winter’s freezing and thawing prior to germination in the spring. Choose the Right Site Pick an area with conditions that match the mix. Remove vegetation by mowing, raking, or hand weeding to reduce competition. Scarify soil to depth of approximately ½”. Aim for at least 50% bare soil. If you have a larger project you can use solarization (temporarily laying plastic down) but this needs to be done months ahead of time. We urge you not to till the soil of where you are sowing unless your soil is usually compacted. Tilling is detrimental to soil structure and also brings up more weed seeds. Sow the Seed Your seeds are packaged in two parts: A. Large seeds: Mix the larger seeds with a gallon or more of a substrate, such as compost, or packaged weed-free soil. The substrate helps to equally distribute and also acts as some covering for these seeds. Broadcast the seed evenly by hand over the prepared soil. You can use a rake lightly to spread the mix if that’s helpful. B. Small seeds: These seeds need light to germinate next spring so should be surface sown (not covered by soil at all). Sprinkle on top of the sown area. If you prefer to use a substrate to help distribute these don’t use soil but use sand instead. This will help keep the seeds in place but the sand will allow the necessary light through. After sowing, press seeds firmly into the soil with feet, shovel back, or roller for good contact. Watering No watering is needed until spring. In the spring water gently and keep soil moist (not soggy) until seedlings are established. Patience and Expectations EXPECT WEEDS FROM THE SOIL SEED BANK. Learn to identify your sown seedlings and remove invaders over time. You will find quick growing and flowering species will dominate the first two years before slower growing species establish themselves. This is by plan. Many native plants take 2–3 years to fully establish. Don’t worry if germination seems slow or uneven—native seeds are genetically diverse and will sprout at different times, building a resilient planting. Extra Large Areas You can mow or weed whack to 6" high every six weeks for the first year only and then every three years after that. You won't get first year blooms from annuals included in the mix but you'll favor the new species over current weeds. Happy sowing!

Want to volunteer and learn to grow native plants? Sign up here. > Volunteering > Volunteer Opportunities We have the world's best community surrounding us. So many people have offered to volunteer: potting plants, washing pots, sowing seeds, working on the greenhouse, etc. We are trying to do things in a sustainable fashion and sometimes that takes longer (like washing pots to reuse or mixing soil to avoid using peat). So we've put together a form to fill out where we can easily contact you for specific help. E.g. we are going to need help in March and April potting plants up into bigger pots. A warm greenhouse and good company are the rewards! Please note: • you need to be at least 18 years old to volunteer • we will give you on the "job" training, you don't need to be an expert. Volunteer with us First Name Last Name Email When are you more likely to be available weekdays weekends Phone What are you interested in? potting up plants sowing seeds watering seedlings washing pots to reuse invasive species removal at seed farm seed farm work (planting and weeding) I hereby acknowledge this release from liability for accidental injury or illness which I may incur as a result of participating in any physical activity. I hereby assume all risks connected therewith and consent to participate in this program. I agree to disclose related physical limitations prior to volunteering. I confirm I am at least 18 years old. * Required I agree Tell us about yourself... Submit Now > Thanks for submitting! We’ll get back to you soon.

Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Seed Farm We farm on a plot generously lent to us by the Norwell Conservation Commission. By growing plants from locally collected wild seed, we can increase the supply of true local ecotype seed without relying on additional wild harvesting. As stewards of this farmland, our goal is to keep it functioning as farmland for future generations. This means mowing at times—without it, most New England meadows naturally revert to forest. Collecting Seeds Our seed that we farm is all collected from locally wild populations, making it "local eco-type". We have permission from several Conservation Commissions and owners of private land to collect wild seed. We do so only as needed and in keeping with a commitment to good genetic diversity. We don't sell the seeds we collect from the wild, those are used to grow plants to harvest their seed. Genetics/Ecotype Although we, in New England, could easily ship in seed from California or Florida for species native to New England...these seeds would be adapted to the climate of their original source. Boston weather might be a bit of a surprise. We are in ecotype 59: Northeastern Coastal Zone. So we collect within this region. A map for a more detailed summary of ecotype can be found here. PURCHASE 2025 updates Added species: Eupatorium pilosum (rough boneset), Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower), Sericocarpus linifolius (Narrow-leaf white-top-aster), Symphyotrichum racemosum (small white American aster), Symphyotrichum undulatum (Wavyleaf aster), Solidago patula (Roundleaf goldenrod), Lobelia siphilitica (Great blue lobelia), Sericocarpus asteroides (Toothed white-top-aster), Carex crinita (Fringed sedge), Carex lurida (shallow sedge), Solidago squarrosa (stout goldenrod) 2024 updates Added species: Monarda fistulosa (Bee Balm), Prunella vulgaris var. lanceolata (Self-heal), Schizachyrium scoparium (Little bluestem) 2023 updates Added species: Eurybia spectabilis (Eastern showy aster), Hypericum punctatum (Spotted St. John’s-wort), Oligoneuron rigida (Stiff goldenrod), Pycnanthumum muticum (clustered mountain mint) 2022 updates documenting wild species at Barstow So far we’ve been tracking what species are growing wild, removed many of the invasive species such as autumn olive, multiflora rose, and purple loosestrife. Added species: Helenium autumnale (Fall Sneezeweed), Asclepias incarnata ssp. pulchera (Eastern Swamp milkweed), Ionactis linariifolia (stiff aster), Liatris scariosa v.novae angliae (New England blazing star), Chamaecrista Fasciculata (Partridge pea), Oligoneuron rigida (Stiff goldenrod) Our first harvest: Houstonia caerula (bluets) 2021 updates started documenting wild species at Barstow Added species: Houstonia caerula (bluets)

Curated book recommendations on New England native plants, ecology, pollinators, and sustainable gardening practices. Book Recommendations Looking for your next great read? These are some of our team’s favorite books on native plants, wildlife, garden design, and ecological landscaping. Whether you’re just getting started or digging deeper into the science, these titles will inspire, educate, and support your native plant journey. Plant Identification and Education Native Plants for New England Gardens Mark Richard son and Dan (Jaffe) Wilder Native Plants for New England Gardens culls the expertise of the New England Wild Flower Society to help anyone create lovely, hardy gardens that will tolerate drought, resist disease and encourage biodiversity. The Northeast Native Plant Primer Uli Lorimer, Native Plant Trust Do you want a garden that makes a real difference? Choose plants native to our Northeast region. The rewards will benefit you, your yard, and the environment—from reducing maintenance tasks to attracting earth-friendly pollinators such as native birds, butterflies, and bees. In The Northeast Native Plant Primer, native plant expert Uli Lorimer of the Native Plant Trust makes adding these superstar plants easier than ever before, with proven advice that every home gardener can follow. This incomparable sourcebook includes 225 recommended native ferns, grasses, wildflowers, perennials, vines, shrubs, and trees. Native Tr ees for Northeast Landscapes Wild Seed Project For those wanting to make positive environmental change, this guide demonst rates the why, what, and how of p lanting native trees to rewild our landscapes. _________________________________ _____________________ _____________________ ________________ _____ Edible Native Plants Wild Plants I Have Known...and Eaten Russ Cohen This guidebook fo cuses on edible plants that can easily be found throughout Essex County (and most of New England, for that matter). _________________________________ ___________________ _____________________ ________________ _______ Nature Bringing Nature Home Doug Tallamy IndieBound.com Timberpress.com Amazon.com Everyone with access to a patch of earth can make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity by simply choosing native plants. By acting on Douglas Tallamy's practical and achievable recommendations, we can all make a difference. ______________________________________________ _____________________ ____________________ _________ Insects Common Native Bees of Eastern United States Heather Holms Bees are beloved garden visitors and are essential to a healthy ecosystem. We welcome their arrival and celebrate their vital work as pollinators, supporting the growth of flowers, plants, and trees. If you see bees in your area, keep this convenient guide close at hand. Designed for ease of use, the tabbed booklet is organized by family and genus. Narrow your choices by group, and view just a few bees at a time. The professional photographs showcase 160 species—including bee look-alikes, such as beetles, hoverflies, and wasps. Pollinators of Native Plants Heather Holms A comprehensive book illustrating the specific relationships between native pollinators, beneficial insects, and native plants. Organized by plant communities, the book profiles over 65 perennial native plants (includes the Northe ast region) and the pollinators, beneficial in sects and flower visitors the plants attract. The Pollinator Victory Garden Kim Eierman IndieBound.com Amazon.com Win the War on Pollinator Decline with Ecological Gardening; Attract and Support Bees, Beetles, Butterflies, Bats, and Other Pollinators _____________________________________________ _____________________ ___________________ ___________ Garden Design The Living Landscape Rick Darke and Doug Tallamy IndieBound.com Timberpress.com Amazon.com You’ll learn the strategies for making and maintaining a diverse, layered landscape—one that offers beauty on many levels, provides outdoor rooms and turf areas for children and pets, incorporates fragrance and edible plants, and provides cover, shelter, and sustenance for wildlife. Garden Revolution Larry Weaner IndieBound.com Timberpress.com Amazon.com How an ecological approach to planting can lead to beautiful gardens that buck much of conventional gardening’s counter-productive, time-consuming practices. Instead of picking the wrong plant and then weeding, irrigating, and fertilizing, Weaner advocates for choosing plants that are adapted to the soil and climate of a specific site and letting them naturally evolve over time. ______________________________________________ _____________________ __________________ ___________ Propagation Growing and Propagating Wildflowers William Cullina IndieBound.com Amazon.com A comprehensive, beautifully illustrated primer on the fine art of grown wildflowers cov ers the North American continent, providing would-be cultivators of these bea utiful flowers plentiful expert advice. ____________________________________________ _____________________ ______________________ _________ Indigenous Wisdom Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants Robin Wall Kimmerer IndieBound.com Amazon.com As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman , she learned from elders, family, and history that the Pota watomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers. ____________________________________________ _____________________ _____________________ __________ Wildlife The Humane Gardener Nancy Lawson IndieBound.com Amazon.com A philosophical and practical guide for the gardener who hopes to wants to create a backyard garden in harmony with nature.

Learn why New England native plants matter for pollinators, birds, and healthy ecosystems, and how they support local wildlife. Why Native Plants? Native plants are the backbone of healthy New England landscapes. They’ve evolved here over thousands of years, which means they support local wildlife, handle our unpredictable weather, and bring back the beauty and resilience our yards often miss. A Healthier, More Vibrant Landscape Traditional lawns and highly cultivated plants may look tidy, but they often lack the food, shelter, and seasonal interest our ecosystems rely on. Native plants do the opposite — they invite birds, bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects back into our outdoor spaces. Nature-Friendly by Design When you plant natives, you’re choosing species perfectly adapted to: New England’s freeze-thaw cycles Droughts and heavy rain Local soils Native pollinators and wildlife Instead of requiring constant watering, feeding, or babying, natives thrive on their own — and bring your landscape to life in the process. Beauty with Purpose Native plants add four-season interest: blossoms in spring, structure in summer, color in fall, and seedheads that feed birds through winter. They make your yard feel alive, dynamic, and connected to the land around you. A Simple Way to Make a Big Impact Adding even a few native species can: Reduce maintenance Improve soil health Support declining pollinator populations Restore habitat right in your backyard Gardening with natives isn’t just rewarding — it’s restorative, sustainable, and deeply impactful. You can visit our blog to read more about native plants!

Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Trading Post Stop in to shop May-October! We source thoughtful items that are eco-friendly, helpful, local, and beautiful. See galleries below to see what we carry in person. Want to shop online? Check out our mini-e-books and gift cards Books Cards Decor Holiday Rain Gifts Growing Goods Tools Wear Visit IN PERSON for a great selection of TOOLS. We source thoughtfully designed tools, that we personally test! See some of what we carry below. Visit IN PERSON for a great selection of indoor and outdoor goodness. See some of what we carry below: Available for online purchase: Visit IN PERSON for a great selection of thoughtful gifts: Quick View Grow Bags, 5 gallon with handles Regular Price $6.25 Sale Price $5.00 Vegetable Sale Pre-Order Quick View Vegagrow - Veganic Fertilizer Price $15.00 Add to Cart Quick View ORGANIC MECHANICS Pure Rice Hulls Price $25.99 Add to Cart Quick View ORGANIC MECHANICS® Planting Mix Compost Blend Price $26.99 Out of Stock Quick View Men's Garden and Work Gloves Price $29.90 Out of Stock Quick View High performance women’s garden gloves Price $28.00 Out of Stock Quick View Tool: hand trowel, ash and mint Price $29.99 Out of Stock Quick View Tool: cultivator, ash and mint Price $29.99 Out of Stock Quick View Tool: Garden scissors Price $41.99 Out of Stock Visit IN PERSON for a great selection of greeting cards by artists. See some of what we carry below. Available for purchase online and immediately ready to download. E -books, written for you, by the owners of Blue Stem Natives: Visit IN PERSON for a great selection of BOOKS. We celebrate authors focused on nature, see some of the titles we carry below. Visit IN PERSON for our locally made rain barrels. Easy to fit in any car! Visit IN PERSON for a great selection of clothing, hats, and gloves. See some of what we carry below. Made by Blue Stem, our custom ornaments are available for online purchases with in person pick up or shipping.

Native plants for New England shorelines that help stabilize soil, improve water quality, and support wildlife. > Shoreline > What to Plant: Native Plants for the Shoreline Here in Southeastern Massachusetts, we have the luck to experience two types of shorelines, freshwater and saltwater. Each presents a unique set of properties and needs that require native plants well suited for the area. Seashores require the most hardy, salt and sun tolerant plants which have extensive root systems that can knit fragile sand dunes together. Lake and river shores require plants that are adaptable to changing conditions, sometimes rapid currents, varying water levels, and difficult soil types. Many of these plants support sensitive wildlife that call these shorelines home. Species marked with an asterisk* also tolerate intertidal zones (the area between low tide and high tide). Species marked with ** are great for freshwater shorelines. Further Reading PDF: "Acceptable Plantings for Buffers to Resource Areas" - Brewster Conservation Commission online: "Coastal Landscaping in Massachusetts" - Mass Gov (the majority of these are native but please note there are some non-native plants which we do not recommend) PDF: "Coastal Dune Protection & Restoration" - Woods Hole Sea Grant online: "American Beach Grass Planting Guide" - Sea Grant New York PDF: "Trees & Shrubs for Coastal Environments" - Cape Cod Cooperative Extension

Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. > currentwholesaleform > Acknowledgement of New Terms For-Profit Businesses Thank you for your continued interest and for being flexible as we improve and grow our wholesale offerings and organization. Thank you! Note: add something about 3 ways to shop. and then if shopping through "requesting a quote...:" I understand, if not purchasing online or in person, business orders require a non-refundable 20% deposit/”RE-STOCKING FEE”. Once an order has been placed Not applicable to non-profits/towns and not applicable to future orders. Business pay ahead Figure out 20% of online order doesn’t get returned? Email Company OR Nonprofit Name Changes to Wholesale/Bulk Purchasing: If purchasing through a quote request, now needs to be submitted through our SPREADSHEET and UP TO 3 WEEKS ahead of pickup. DISCOUNTS will now be based on QUANTITY OF EACH PURCHASE (rather than expectation of yearly purchases). 0%, 15%, to 25% Orders must be picked up within 3 weeks of placement. I understand business orders require a non-refundable 20% restocking fee. Not applicable to non-profits/towns. I understand business orders require a non-refundable 20% restocking fee. Not applicable to non-profits/towns. Submit Thank you for being a customer, we appreicate it

Send an e-gift card for New England native plants, seeds, and garden goods. Delivered instantly and redeemable online or in person. Gift Cards Share the joy of native plants with a Blue Stem Natives e-gift card! E-gift cards are delivered instantly by email and can be used online or in person at our nursery. Physical gift cards are available for in-store purchase only. Purchase an E-Gift Card Enter amount $ Quantity Buy Now

Employment opportunities at Blue Stem Natives, a Massachusetts-based native plant nursery focused on education and ecological gardening. > Employment > Employment Opportunities at Blue Stem Natives 2026: We have no open positions at this time.

Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. > wholesale form > Thank you for your interest. You must be a registered business or non-profit to apply for wholesale discounts. Y ou will receive an automated email once you submit. If your application is not approved you will be contacted directly by Blue Stem. First Name Last Name Email Phone Company OR Nonprofit Name Business website Street Address City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code TYPE OF ACCOUNT: * Required REGISTERED BUSINESS NONPROFIT EIN number, IF APPLICABLE Upload TAX EXEMPT if applicable Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Terms for Wholesale/Bulk Purchasing I am applying as either a registered business or non-profit representative and understand this form is not for retail customers. I understand plant requests need to be submitted through our spreadsheet (unless purchased online or in person). I understand discounts are based on quantity of purchase; 0%, 15%, to 25% I understand orders must be picked up within 3 weeks of placement. I understand business orders require a non-refundable 20% restocking fee. Not applicable to non-profits/towns. Submit Thanks for applying for a wholesale account Wholesale Form