Planting With Purpose
Homeowners are embracing native plants to create colorful, lower-maintenance landscapes that work with the state's natural environment. From wildflowers and native grasses to pollinator-friendly gardens buzzing with butterflies and bees, these yards are proving that beautiful landscaping can also support local wildlife.
Late summer is one of the best times to start planning for fall planting, making August the perfect moment to rethink what goes in the ground before cooler temperatures arrive.
Where to shop and learn
For serious plant lovers, GroWild, Inc. in Fairview feels like a treasure hunt. The nursery specializes in more than 1,000 species and cultivars of North American native plants, giving gardeners an impressive selection whether they're restoring woodland, adding pollinator habitat, or simply looking for plants that already know how to handle Tennessee's climate.
In East Tennessee, Tennessee Naturescapes in Clinton has become a favorite stop for gardeners searching for native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers. Whether you're shopping in person or browsing online, it's an approachable place to start building a landscape that's both beautiful and practical.
Farther south in Blount County, Bee Native Tennessee focuses entirely on Tennessee-native, pollinator-friendly plants. The nursery also spends plenty of time helping customers understand why native species matter, offering guidance on creating habitats that support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife instead of simply selling plants and sending shoppers on their way.
Growing a native landscape doesn't require guessing, either. The Tennessee Native Plant Society offers field trips, educational seminars, publications, and plant resources that help gardeners confidently identify, grow, and conserve native species found throughout the state.
For homeowners who like their gardening advice backed by research, the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences provides science-based information on native plants, wildlife-friendly landscapes, and sustainable gardening practices that fit Tennessee's diverse regions.
The payoff extends well beyond curb appeal. Native plants generally require less water once established, provide food and shelter for local wildlife, and create landscapes that change beautifully with the seasons. Instead of chasing the perfect lawn every weekend, more people are discovering that a yard filled with native blooms can be just as polished while doing something genuinely good for the environment. Turns out, the busiest spot in the neighborhood this fall might be the one buzzing with bees instead of lawn mowers.
For more places to get your garden ready for the coming fall, check out https://www.guidetotennessee.com/home-garden.
