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- Contact | Blue Stem Natives
Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Meet The Team Contact Us > Contact > Location Village Gardens: 376 Washington St. Norwell, MA 02061 ( Rear lot) E-mail info@BlueStemNatives.com wholesale@BlueStemNatives.com Phone (781) 738-4869 (call or text) How Can We Help? F.A.Q. Can’t find an answer in the F.A.Q. button above? Email us or submit the form: Email Subject Your message Please allow a few days for a reply Send Thanks for submitting!
- Stratification codes | Blue Stem Natives
Understand germination codes for New England native seeds, including cold stratification and other requirements for success. Seed Stratification Codes Home > Seeds > Seed Sowing Stratification Codes Most native seeds need "cold, moist stratification". That just means winter...OR a winter-like experience. See the codes below to see how to ":unlock" the germination in seed you purchase from us. More details about winter seed sowing can be found here. As an example, if you seed has code "A" on it you can plant any time, no win ter needed. If your seed has code C(60) on it, that means it needs a 60 days period of cold, moist "weather". Feel free to email us with any questions. A: Seed should germinate when sown in a warm location. B: Hot water treatment: Bring water to a boil, remove from heat, pour over seeds, and soak for 24 hours.. Generally this is for seed with a thick seedcoat. C: (# of days of cold moist stratification) Seeds germinate after a period of cold, moist stratification. Mix seeds with a handful of damp vermiculite or clean sand (moist—but not wet). Place mixture in a sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator, NOT the freezer. D: Sow on the surface of the soil. Generally these seeds are very small. E: These seeds need a 60-90 day warm, moist period followed by a 60-90 day cold, moist period. F: These seeds need a 60-90 day cold, moist period followed by a 60-90 day warm, moist period followed by a 2nd cold, 60-90 day moist period. G: Highest germination rate in cool soil. H: Seeds need scarification: One way this can be achieved is to rub the seed between two sheets of sand paper. If code "C" is also called for, scarify first. I: Legume Inoculant (more info next year) J: Legume seeds (more info next year) K: Parasitic species which needs a host plant L: Plant fresh seed or keep seed moist M: Best results when seed sown outdoors in the fall for a natural winter.
- wholesale spreadsheet | Blue Stem Natives
Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. > wholesale spreadsheet > Wholesale Plant Inventory Spreadsheet updated on Mondays, May - October only (sorry, no pre-orders) Welcome! If you are a landscaper or landscape designer please jump back to this page to fill out our wholesale application. After approval, we will apply a 15% discount to your wholesale orders. Approved wholesale buyers can download, fill out, and email this form back to us at wholesale@bluestemnatives.com.
- Soil, Pots & Pricing | Blue Stem Natives
Information on soil mixes, pots, and pricing for New England native plants, seeds, and garden supplies. > About > Soil, pots, and pricing > Soil, Pots, and Pricing Soil We grow the majority of the plants that we carry*. The organic soil we use, from germination to full grown plants, is from Organic Mechanics. This organic soil is delivered in "super sacks" which are 60 cubic foot bags. The soil is a mix of: coconut coir, pine bark, rice hulls, compost, earthworm castings, and OMRI fertilizer. WE ARE COMPLETELY PEAT FREE in our own growing. Read more about the problem with peat here . Our soil stays up off the ground so as to avoid any critters on the property. *We bring in plants from other reputable growers as well, some use peat and some don't. All are Neonicotinoid-free. You can also purchase bags of Organic Mecanics soil from us. We carry a compost blend and a container blend . Both are organic and peat-free. Pots The vast majority of our pots and trays are made from recycled plastic. We happily take back any of our own pots to wash and reuse. We also love to reuse our plastic plant tags. Pots and tags can be left in front of our checkout shed in the tagged location. We CANNOT take pots from other growers, those will sadly be thrown in the trash if you leave them, see notes below. Please return those to where you purchased them. Pricing What goes into our pricing? We've done a comprehensive analysis of the market and have thus priced our plants competitively . We take into account that our plants are grown in organic peat-free soil in recycled pots, and grown from seed. We are not certified organic but we use all natural growing practices. Please note that actual pot and plant sizes and shapes will vary. Shrubs in the same sized pot as a perennial will cost more as they generally take longer to reach maturity. When we are deciding if a plant is ready to go out into the world one of the first qualifiers we look for is a solid root structure. Growth above "ground" level will be variable species to species and time of year. Plant sizes, prices, and availability subject to change. Perennial Pricing 1 or 1.25 Quart pot * roughly $10.95 generally first year plants 2 Quart pot * roughly $16.95 generally second y ear plants or older 2.5 Quart pot * roughly $16.95 generally second y ear plants or older 1 Gallon pot * roughly $23 generally second y ear plants or older Environmental Impact of Plastic Pots The typical garden center/nursery contributes to the problem of the overwhelming number of single-use plastic garden pots in the United States. Approximately 4 billion plastic pots are produced and used every year in the U.S. horticultural industry, using 1.66 billion pounds of plastic. And only a tiny fraction of this is recycled. Since black plastic pots are dyed with carbon inks they are not recyclable, black plastic is also not scanable by sorting machines. This means they are a single-use plastic, taking around 450 years to decompose. If you are wishful-thinking-recycling and putting these pots in your household recycling, they are being thrown out by someone else down the line. You can read more about this problem in the links below. Additional Reading Plastic Pots and the Green Industry, Production, Use, Disposal and Environmental Impacts by Marie Soulliere-Chieppo The Truth About Recycling Plastic Pots , from Here by Design. sourcing pots
- non-profit new terms | Blue Stem Natives
Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. > non-profit new terms > Acknowledgement of New Terms Non-Profits 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
- about | Blue lue Stem Natives
Blue Stem Natives is an ecologically thoughtful native plant nursery serving southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. > Events Calendar > Events/Calendar Blue Stem on the Road info
- How to Sow New England Native Seeds | Blue Stem Natives
Step-by-step instructions for sowing New England native seeds, including timing, methods, and tips for successful germination. > Seed Mix Instructions > Seed Mix Instructions 1) INSTRUCTIONS FOR SOWING YOUR NATIVE SEED MIX 2) INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR LAWN ENRICHMENT MIX 1) INSTRUCTIONS FOR SOWING YOUR NATIVE SEED MIX 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. 2) INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENRICHING YOUR LAWN We like the idea of making your lawn do more than just look green. This mix is designed to supplement an existing lawn, keeping its function while making it more welcoming to pollinators and wildlife. Lawns certainly have their place, but with a little help they can also support biodiversity. 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. Scarify your lawn and soil to a depth of approximately ½”. 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. Expectations and Management Learn to identify your sown seedlings and remove invaders over time. 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. You can mow this lawn like a normal lawn, ideally setting your mower to high. Happy sowing!
- At-risk Species | Blue Stem Natives
Explore New England native plants that support at-risk species and contribute to biodiversity and ecological resilience. What to Plant: For At-Risk Species Biologist E.O. Wilson described insects as “…the little things that run the world” and many of them are in dire need of our attention. We are talking about insects of all types, from bees to wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and an unimaginable number of other creatures. Our list focuses strongly on supporting our native bumblebees, with the added benefit of supporting a plethora of other insects at the same time. Further Reading online: "List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species" , Massachusetts online: "Sundial Lupine and the Non-native Big-leaved Lupine" , University of Maine website: Beecology: "Protecting our native pollinators through the power of citizen science" , Dr. Robert Gegear, UMass Dartmouth online: "Plants for Soft Landings" , Heather Holm
- test | Blue Stem Natives
> test > Garden Planning Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
- Seed Mixes | Blue Stem Natives
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!
- Volunteer with Blue Stem Natives | Native Plants
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.
- about | Blue lue Stem Natives
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)
- Book Recommendations | Blue Stem Natives
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.
- Why Native Plants Matter in New England | Blue Stem Natives
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!
- Trading Post | Blue Stem Natives
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.
- Shoreline | Blue Stem Natives
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
- currentwholesaleform | Blue Stem Natives
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
- Native Plant E-Gift Cards | Blue Stem Natives
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
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