Gardening Tips

Fall Colors and Textures

For many gardeners, the first signs of fall in the garden bring a mix of emotions—a look forward to the marvelous array of colors and textures that will soon be...

Native Plant Container Update

I first kicked off my experiment with native plants in containers June 1st. Since then they have grown in and truly surprised me with how well they’re doing! Here is...

Short on Space? Try a native plant container!

Including native plants in the city can be tricky, especially if you have limited garden space, are renting, or only have a balcony or other small outdoor spot. Containers can...

Native Plant Spotlight: Golden Alexanders

During the quiet time between spring and summer, Golden Alexanders (Zizia spp.) truly shine and can be seen blooming all over the City. They are a staple plant at NBN for many...

Matrix Planting- Not as Scary as it Sounds

Here at North Branch Natives we promote a style of planting called matrix planting. While the name may sound technical, this planting style is really a beginner-friendly way of approaching...

Butterflies of Chicago: The Red Admiral

Hello North Branch Natives Community! My name is Nicki and I am the most recent addition to the North Branch team. I am a horticulturist by training, having earned a...