I've spent a significant amount of time working in the lawn and garden industry. With 15 years under my belt, my experience includes roles at the largest garden center in southwest Michigan and serving as a Sales Manager for the leading consumer lawn and garden company. Throughout my career, I sold numerous "4-step" lawn programs and planted a wide variety of ornamental shrubs and perennials.

However, it wasn't until recently that I truly grasped the significance and advantages of incorporating Midwest native plants into our landscapes. These plants play a crucial role in providing essential nectar, pollen, and habitats for wildlife and insects. I've also found that my happiest moments have often been while outdoors, appreciating the beauty and benefits of nature firsthand.

My Approach to Landscaping with Native Plants

I've been deeply inspired by influential figures in the field such as Annie White, Benjamin Vogt, Douglass Tallamy, Roy Diblik, and many others. Their work has significantly shaped my views on landscaping and the importance of using native plants to benefit wildlife and the environment.

While I hold the idealistic vision of achieving 100% native plants in our area, I acknowledge the challenges posed by the changing landscape over the years. As a compromise, my goal is to strive for a minimum of 70% native plants on any property I work with. This approach prioritizes the removal of as much traditional lawn as possible, replacing it with native flora to create sustainable ecosystems.

I believe that integrating some nonnative (noninvasive) plants strategically can help fill in any gaps in pollen and nectar sources for local wildlife, while also catering to individual aesthetic preferences. By striking a balance between native and nonnative species, we can achieve both ecological benefits and visual appeal in our landscapes.

Vintage Liatris - Embracing Native Plants for a Sustainable Future

As I embarked on the journey of starting my own business, the significance of native plants to our beloved pollinators became my driving force. I envisioned a future for my daughter—one abundant with Monarch butterflies gracefully fluttering around, the gentle hum of native bees, melodious songs of various bird species, and a harmonious coexistence with all indigenous creatures.

In my ideal world, the quintessential image of the American landscape would no longer be a boring expanse of grass monoculture. Instead, it would transform into a vibrant tapestry teeming with a kaleidoscope of colors and buzzing with life. This vision inspired me to establish Vintage Liatris, where we advocate for the use of native plants to support wildlife, insects, and ultimately, to safeguard our environment.

Through Vintage Liatris, I aim to challenge prevailing notions about traditional lawns and suburban landscapes. By promoting the beauty and ecological benefits of native plants, we strive to shift perceptions and foster a deeper appreciation for the splendor of a biodiverse ecosystem.

Join me on this journey towards a greener, more sustainable future. Let us together rewrite the narrative of our landscapes and create a sanctuary where native plants reign supreme, and biodiversity thrives.