Trees, Shrubs, Grasses and Wildflowers!

The use of native plants in the landscape is more than just a trend. It is an awakening for the need to preserve our native flora in man-made landscapes. So why use natives?
- Native plants are beautiful. They offer all of the color and aesthetic interest we could need, and they rival any introduced landscape plant.
- Native plants are also very functional, having evolved over time to prosper in our enviroment, and they can fill almost any landscape need.
- Using Wisconsin's native plants also connects us to our state's natural heritage and creates landscapes that look Wisconsin; rather than another traditional landscape that looks like it could be anywhere.
- As we continue to develop, disturb and destroy native habitats, we need to give back to the land. Aldo Leopold said, "To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering." When we plant native plants not only do we preserve the vegetation, but also the countless other life forms such as, birds, insects, mammals, fungi and more, that depend on and interact with each other to form beautiful sustainable landscapes.

How do you determine what is native?

We consider plants that were growing here in Wisconsin before European settlement to be native. We refer to the Wisconsin State Herbarium and their Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Wisconsin. For a wealth of information, go to www.botany.wisc.edu/wisflora.

How can I use natives in my landscape?

Native plants can be used in your landscape in many ways. You may want to include native plants as an addition to a more traditional landscape. A specific portion of your property could be converted to a native garden, or you may decide that you want all of your land planted exclusively with natives. Whatever you decide, the use the use of native plants will fulfill your needs and provide you with an appealing landscape a sustainable enviroment and the satisfaction that you are helping to preserve our natural resources.

How do I care for my native plants?

Native plants are locally adapted; they are hardy to our climate and adapted to our soils. When the right plants are selected for your site conditions they are programmed to thrive, and once established will provide years of beauty and reduced maintenance relative to traditional landscapes. However, even native plants are not maintenance free. It is important to provide new plantings with proper care to ensure establishment. Initial watering, mulching and fertilization is important and native plants will respond just as other landscape plants do.

Johnson’s Nursery, Inc. takes pride in bringing its customers quality, locally grown nursery stock. We are dedicated to providing a diverse selection of woody plants for the Midwest. Included in our product line is a wide variety of native trees, shrubs, evergreens, vines and perennials.

Many of our native plants are grown from wild collected, local seed. These ecotypes are adaptable to our soils and climate. They offer a wide array of colors, fragrances and other attributes that rival many introduced species. In addition, planting a native plant for any reason helps preserve natives in our landscape. While native plants can be more adaptable than non-natives to local conditions, site selection is still important. Evaluate the site first in order to match it with the proper plant. The plant’s native habitat often provides clues to locating its best site. When plants are sited properly, they generally thrive and require less maintenance.

Look for the "Natives" cards on the many varieties throughout the nursery.


Download our Native Plants of WI Guide.

A hard copy of the guide may be purchased at Johnson's Nursery or Johnson's Gardens for $8.00.



Hummingbird Moth and Red Milkweed.

Plant for the Planet: The Billion Tree Campaign is a worldwide tree planting initiative facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme. People, communities, businesses, industry, civil society organizations and governments are encouraged to enter tree planting pledges on-line . The campaign strongly encourages the planting of indigenous trees and trees that are appropriate to the local environment.

By the end of 2009, more than 7.4 billion trees had been planted under this campaign – far in excess of the year-end target of 7 billion – by participants in 170 countries. With this success continuing into 2010, the Billion Tree Campaign will make a substantial contribution to the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity for our well-being. Click here to find out more about the campaign and enter your tree pledges.