Natives are plants that occur naturally in our regions of the Mid-Atlantic. They have been growing wild in our regions from hundreds to thousands of years. Most natives are perennial plants, shrubs, and trees that have adapted over time to become a part of our natural ecosystem. That means the wildlife in the area, like bees, birds, and butterflies, have come to depend on these plants as sources of food and shelter.
Native plants aren’t only helpful for wildlife, they’re also helpful for gardeners. Since these plants have called our regions home much longer than we have, they often don’t need much help from us to thrive. At Greenstreet Gardens, we love to help our customers get started with native planting. With a flower bed filled with native plants, there’s virtually no need for fertilizer or special watering schedules—just a little spring clean up and let them grow.
Try growing our favorite native plants, all available at our garden centers in Alexandria and Belle Haven, VA, and our flagship location in Lothian, MD.
Native plants are crucial for maintaining the local populations of breathtaking butterflies, like the beloved Monarch or the Baltimore Checkerspot. There are over 150 butterfly and skipper species in Maryland alone, and they all depend on a diverse array of native plants for survival.
These plants are “butterfly magnets” that thrive in Maryland and Virginia gardens.
Support the local population of butterflies and other pollinators, like bees and hummingbirds, by planting a pollinator garden filled with native plants! Here are our tips for starting your own.
Large puddles and moving water is risky for delicate butterfly wings. Offer a safer water source by filling a shallow saucer with water and pebbles.
Bees and butterflies are cold-blooded and are more active with a little sun on their wings! Plant your pollinator garden in a sunny location.
You don't need a big yard to plant a pollinator garden! Choose compact varieties for container gardening and small spaces.
Pollinators also need somewhere to hide, lay eggs, and overwinter! Avoid disturbing your native plants— allow caterpillars to eat their leaves and keep spent flowers standing through winter.
Every year, hundreds of millions of Monarch butterflies spend the warmer months in northern areas of the United States and Canada before migrating to Mexico and southern California for the winter. In the spring, they make the long trip across the continent again to return to their homes in the north. Monarch butterflies are a lot tougher than they look!
In order to survive this incredible journey, monarchs are dependent on a native perennial called milkweed. Wild milkweed is disappearing more and more as urban sprawl takes over its natural habitat. You can help the Monarch population by planting milkweed in your garden
Find these milkweed varieties at our garden centers:
These nectar-rich plants may not be native but are still great additions to your pollinator garden. Mix them with native plantings or annuals beds to enhance the biodiversity and natural beauty of your outdoor space.
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In observance of the holiday, our stores will be closing early on Easter Sunday at 4pm. Wishing you a joy-filled day with loved ones!
We offer options for booking multiple groups for evenings as well as private reservations.
Fill out the form below to receive more information.
Booking dates are available Monday to Friday
from September 27th to October 25th.
Arrival times are between 9:30 am to 12:00 pm;
to reserve an evening, please email us today!
Come celebrate your special day with a magical party at our Fall Festival! Wind your way through the corn maze, conquer the corn pit, and top it all off with a hayride—it’s sure to be one to remember.
Parties can be booked on the hour on Saturdays & Sundays between
September 25thand October 31st and are subject to availability.
