Three Oaks Native Plants

05/14/2025

Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) makes its first appearance in my little meadow! Larval host for the black swallowtail, and oh so pretty to see in the spring landscape. Also it’s been a good year for red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), what an abundance!

05/13/2025

Hello all! I have past work experience with the Lancaster Conservancy and interned/worked as a subcontractor for a local native landscaping business. I’ve taken landscape design classes at Mt. Cuba, and ecological gardening training through Horn Farm & Lancaster Conservancy. Feel free to message or email with questions, thanks!

03/28/2025

Spring happenings: Lindera benzoin (spicebush) starting to bloom!
And packera aurea (golden ragwort)showing the first signs of what will grow into its taller dainty yellow blooms.

Hope you’re enjoying strolls around the garden, & finding many signs of spring and new life 🌱

09/05/2024

I was impressed by this native bouquet I saw at Longwood. The vast majority of bouquets we see for sale are non-native, so this was a refreshing change. When cutting natives, there are typically more bugs to shake off before bringing inside—a good sign!
Can you name all the varieties here?

08/25/2024

Enjoyed a stroll through the peaceful meadow at Longwood Gardens recently, with beautiful blooming Joe Pye & golden rod. Displaying the delightful duo of purple & yellow that is so often present in native landscapes. Longwood Gardens

07/23/2024

Caught sight of this unique find today while hiking in Cook forest. Have you spotted this peculiar looking native plant before? Ghost pipes (Monotropa uniflora) are white because they don’t contain chlorophyll; instead, they generate food by being parasitic upon fungi!

04/23/2024

I have the following plugs available for sale, in any combination (but in minimum quantities of 10):
-Carex laxiculmis ‘Hobb’
-Heuchera villosa ‘Autumn Bride’
-Packera aurea
-Phlox divaricata

These 4 plants work well together in a garden design, and look lovely. If you want help with the design or planting, feel free to reach out directly!
Cost is $3/plug, minimum order of $30, plus tax. Plants would be available by mid-May, and free delivery for those living within 5 miles of Lancaster or Lititz.
Direct message me by April 30 if interested! Quantities are limited, thanks!

04/18/2024

Packera aurea (Golden ragwort) is starting to bloom! This versatile plant makes a wonderful ground cover in shade, part-shade, & part-sun conditions, and works with dry to wet soil. Yellow blooms spring up this time of year, then you’re left with a wonderful low-growing ground cover the rest of the year.
Especially lovely planted in large groupings, or alongside Phlox divaricata (woodland phlox, seen in photos)

09/29/2023

Yesterday, I heard the familiar hum of neighborhood lawn mowers/weed eaters/leaf blowers coming to life. It seemed to be happening every where I went. After days of rain, every one was taking the opportunity for lawn care.
I felt a heaviness as I considered the effect on the environment of all these gas-dependent machines--especially in Lancaster County where our air quality is some of the worst in the nation.
We desperately need a change in how we do lawn care--and to consider replacing a portion (or all) of our lawn with plants that benefit, not harm, the environment.
This company in Maryland demonstrates some of that needed change. If you know of a local business doing similar, please share!
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/electric-lawn-service-equipment-luminary-lawns/43633300 #

In honor of Earth Week, 11 News is highlighting people and businesses working to keep our planet healthy.

09/26/2023

On this drizzly autumn day, here's a gorgeous capture of a Red-eyed Vireo on a Gray Dogwood (credit to Mary Holland)
Gray Dogwood, Cornus racemosa, provides excellent habitat & food to our feathery friends. In the fall, its white berries contrast beautifully against the reddish-purple foliage.
This thicket-forming, deciduous shrub may grow up to 15 feet high, or up to 27 feet tall as a small tree. Its creamy-white flowers bloom from May-June and form dome-shaped clusters.
Cornus racemosa may be planted in full sun to partial shade and in a wide variety of soil types. While it prefers moist soil, it withstands dry, wet, and poor soils well. A larval host to Spring Azure.
Currently have 2 Gallon sizes available, at about 2-2.5' tall (see photo)

09/22/2023

Happy Fall!🍂 As you probably know, Autumn is an ideal time to plant trees and shrubs. Here's a short list of native, neonic-free trees and shrubs currently in stock, while supplies last, for pickup or delivery in Lancaster (sales tax not reflected in price):

-Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) 1G, Qty: 8, $18/each
-Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) 2G, Qty:6, $18/each
-Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) 1G, Qty:4, $14/each
-Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata), 1G, Qty:4, $12/each
-I also have just 2 oaks currently in 1G size (White oak & Swamp White) $10/each

Reach out with further questions, and to arrange pickup/delivery. Payment can be made via cash or card using Square.