Adapted to their local climates and soil conditions, native plants (quite unlike non-native lawn grasses) do not require the application of pesticides, fertilizers, or supplemental water for survival. Their deep rooted systems not only store a large capacity of water belowground, but also stablize erosion, reduce flooding, and sequester carbon.

Unfortunately, due to over-development, intensive agricultural practices, invasive species competition, climate change, and the introduction of harmful pathogens, our native plant numbers continue to dwindle every year.

As our native plants decline, so too do the insects which rely upon those plants for food and habitat. The presence of these insects, which provide countless benefits to our gardens, are vital to maintaining a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem. Without insects, our birds would be unable to feed their young!

Planting native is the most immediate, actionable thing we can do to improve the health of our planet; whether we plant acres on a farm or a single container on an apartment patio, each of us can make a positive difference.

Beetles are an oft overlooked and underappreciated insect in the garden and on the farm. One of our goals is to raise awareness of the ecological value that beetles provide; from pollination, to biological pest control, to improving soil health through decomposition of plant and animal matter. The presence of beetles in our crop fields can even reduce foodborne pathogens in our produce!

And although beetles inspired our nursery’s namesake, we are just as passionate about all of the other native insects and bugs living in our gardens; whether they be bumble bees that pollinate our crops, ants that farm aphids, caterpillars (a vital food source for our birds!) that chow down on plant foliage, or the spiders, wasps, and countless other predatory insects that keep pest numbers in check.

This complex ecosystem of insects is not only invaluable to our health, but also fascinating, entertaining, and, quite honestly, beautiful to witness.

We grow the vast majority of our plants from seed (local ecotypes and propagation techniques where noted) in recycled containers (when possible), using a potting soil comprised of local Second Chance Compost & OMRI listed coconut coir. We prefer to avoid peat based medium due to habitat destruction / CO2 emissions caused by the extraction process.

We also never treat our plants with fertilizers, insectides, fungicides, herbicides, or any other chemicals that cause harm to insects, wildlife, or the soil. As a result, you may observe minimal blemishes, slight discoloration, holes in foliage, etc. These markings, which do not compromise the health of the plants in any way, are simply proof that native plants benefit our local invertebrates and, subsequently, the entire environment around us.

Besides our work in the nursery, Beetle Buds offers collaborative naturescaping services.

By understanding plant growth requirements, site conditions, and a garden’s purpose, we work closely with each client to build an outdoor space that is both beautiful and benefical for wildlife.

For more info on this process, please visit our naturescaping page.