With two facilities in Massachusetts—Garden in the Woods and Nasami Farm—Native Plant Trust focuses on species endemic to the Northeast, with priority given to rare species. The bank currently stores more than 10 million seeds. “Our native plants often have complex dormancy mechanisms. We may not know how to germinate all of them, so the first step is to collect seeds,” says Johnson. “The second step is to figure out how to germinate them. Lastly, and perhaps the most important, is to make sure these populations are secure in the wild so we don’t need the seed banks down the road.” Last year, Native Plant Trust worked with a sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis) population in Vermont. This native lupine is a host plant for the endangered Karner blue butterfly. After noticing that the population in this area in Vermont was in decline, they were able to repopulate it from seed stored at Native Plant Trust decades earlier. They’ll return next year to see what the success rate is. “The genetics should just knit back together as if it was just a banner year for the plants to be producing babies,” says Johnson.
Grow native plants. “Habitat loss and habitat fragmentation is the number one threat to native plants,” says Johnson. “When you grow native plants in your yard, you’re providing habitat and that habitat can become suitable for rare plants.” Furthermore, “native landscapes sequester more carbon and benefit insects, birds, and other wildlife,” says Havens. “Plus, they avoid contributing to the problem of invasive species, which is one of the largest threats to native plant ecosystems in our region.” And please be sure to avoid all pesticides, even organic ones, which the kill bees, butterflies, and other insects that most native plants depend upon to survive.
Enjoy nature responsibly and use iNaturalist. Botanists benefit from community science apps like iNaturalist. Birker notes that she and her colleagues might notice someone posting photos on the app of plants they are targeting for seed collection in bloom. They’ll know that they’ll have to get out there soon to collect. That said, while you’re out in nature, it’s crucial to stay on paths to avoid trampling on plants to snap a photo and never, ever collect from the wild. Leave that to the professionals.
Give back to your local native seed bank. It’s a race against the clock. Help these important institutions financially, sign up to volunteer where you can get trained to help out on projects like seed cleaning, and make your support for native plants known. It’s especially important today, when the current administration is reducing funding and protections for national parks and preserves and conservation. “Talk to your local politicians and voice your concern,” recommends Birker. “And support local nonprofits and organizations doing this work.”
As the year comes to a close, mailboxes (both real and digital) are flooded with donation requests from nonprofit organizations. This is a critical time for charities because how much they raise in the final weeks of December influences what they can spend in the year ahead.
Here at Gardenista we are firm believers in the transformative power of gardens, so we’re happy to direct some donor dollars to organizations that promote gardens and, more generally, plants and wildlife. Today, we’re highlighting a dozen of these deserving nonprofits.
Above: The Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum is one of the organizations The Garden Conservancy supports through its Garden Futures grants. Photograph courtesy of the Garden Conservancy.
The Garden Conservancy’s mission is “to preserve, share, and celebrate America’s gardens and diverse gardening traditions for the education and inspiration of the public.” The organization’s work includes direct support to preserve public gardens and as well as funding smaller garden-related nonprofits, but what we love most is the sharing part of their mission: The Garden Conservancy makes it possible to experience gardens in person through its Open Days program.
Originally founded in 1900, the Native Plant Trust was U.S.’s first plant conservation organization; its mission is to “conserve and promote New England’s native plants to ensure healthy, biologically-diverse landscapes.” In addition to running a public botanic garden and a native plant nursery, the Native Plant Trust offers a wealth of online and in-person courses.
Above: Planted with native species, this garden transforms a residential space into functioning wildlife habitat. It reflects Homegrown National Park’s mission to help people take simple, meaningful actions that restore the natural systems supporting all life. Photograph by Lynn O’Shaughnessy.
Founded by entomologist and author Doug Tallamy, Homegrown National Park’s name stems from Tallamy’s assertion that our National Parks are too small and separated from one another to preserve native species to the levels needed, so we need to extend “national parks” to our yards and communities. The organization’s mission is to raise awareness about the biodiversity crisis, and more importantly to inspire action, “adding native plants and removing invasive ones where we live, work, learn, pray, and play.”
Based in Maine, the Wild Seed Project is one of the U.S.’s only nonprofits focussed on native seeds. The organization collects and distributes wild seeds and encourages gardeners to grow hyper-local plants from wild seed. Members receive the organization’s excellent annual publication as a perk. (Through the end of 2025, all donations to Wild Seed Project will be matched, up to $20,000.)
Above: Participants in a butterfly class hosted by Wild Ones’ Fox Valley Area Chapter at the UW–Madison Arboretum. Photograph by Catherine McKenzie, courtesy of Wild Ones.
Based in Wisconsin, Wild Ones promotes environmentally sound gardening practices and aims to “preserve biodiversity by educating the public about the preservation, restoration, and establishment of native plant communities.” We love that Wild Ones has expanded their free Native Garden Design Program, which provides region-specific, professionally designed templates to help people transform conventional yards into native-dominated landscapes. There are currently more more than 100 local chapters.
While not technically a garden-related organization, the Xerces Society’ is dedicated to the “conservation of invertebrates and their habitats,” which often dovetails with how individuals manage their home and public landscapes. The Xerces Society produces high-quality, research-backed publications that help guide effective conservation efforts; they’re Gardenista’s go-to source when it comes to garden practices that are most supportive of insects and invertebrates.
When Remodelista founder Julie Carlson attended a benefit dinner at Wave Hill, a public garden and under-the-radar treasure in the Bronx, she enjoyed the beautiful plantings and the breathtaking views of the Hudson River, but it was the garden chairs she saw on the property that bowled her over. (She is a design geek, after all.)
Turns out, the Wave Hill chairs have been bewitching visitors for decades. They were designed in the 1960s by landscape designer Lester Collins, who based the chair on a 1918 design by architect Gerrit Rietveld; Collins later allowed Wave Hill to make his version of the chair for use in their public garden.
Good news for Julie and others who can’t stop thinking about them: Wave Hill sells DIY plans for the chair.
Above: The beauty of these chairs is that you can use cheap store-bought planks to build them and paint them in the color of your choosing. To purchase the plans, contact The Shop at Wave Hill at 718.549.3200 x249, or email [email protected]. Above: Horticulturalist Dan Benarcik designed his own version after becoming obsessed with the chairs at Wave Hill. On his site, he sells the plans for his chair for $35; a DIY kit with all the materials you need for $325; a workshop to make a chair for $350; and a fully assembled chair, in western red cedar, for $425. Find details here. Above: You can also purchase pre-made Wave Hill chairs in your choice of wood—white ash, white oak, walnut, cherry, red oak, reclaimed oak, reclaimed pine, maple, or cedar (pictured) from Hugo and Hoby. Above: While we like the look of the untreated wood chairs that age with time, we also quite enjoy them painted or stained (Margaret Roach writes about her painted versions here). Photograph via Dan Benarcik.
For more on garden chairs, see:
N.B.: This post was first published July 2019; it has been updated with new links and photos.
Known for their stunning plant collections, captivating displays, and awe-inspiring exhibitions, America’s botanical gardens offer some of the most beautiful sights in the country. These gardens are dynamic destinations where garden and nature lovers and families can connect with nature.
Whether it’s the sweet aroma of blooming roses or the impressive sight of towering palm trees, botanical gardens are visually stunning and rich educational resources.
Here are 17 of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the United States, perfect for a family visit this spring.
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
A short subway ride from Manhattan takes you to the New York Botanical Garden. Spanning 250 acres, this garden boasts an impressive collection of over one million plants, featuring 650 rose varieties. The garden serves as a hub for special events, art exhibits, and educational programs that cater to both adults and children.
San Francisco Botanical Garden, California
Situated in Golden Gate State Park, this garden is home to nearly 9,000 plant species from around the world. The garden’s design mimics various global environments, offering visitors a diverse botanical experience.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Brooklyn, NY
Opened in 1911, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a staple in New York. Covering 52 acres, this garden boasts a unique collection of plant species. More than 200+ cherry blossom trees bloom each spring, transforming the garden into a vibrant tapestry of colors. The garden offers a unique experience, featuring live jazz performances and other attractions, to attract visitors from around the country.
Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, GA
Opened in 1976, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. This 30-acre garden features “an award-winning Children’s Garden, the serene Storza Woods highlighted by a unique Canopy Walk, and the picturesque Skyline Garden.” This urban oasis is worth a visit.
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
Nestled among the Papago Buttes, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a 140-acre expanse that showcases a vast collection of cacti, succulents, and desert flora from around the globe. Since its inception in 1939, this garden has attracted approximately 400,000 visitors annually, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and educational opportunities within its scenic desert landscape.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Big Island
This non-profit garden spans over 100 acres on Hawaii’s Big Island and features more than 2,500 species of plants, including a variety of heliconias and bromeliads. Visitors can explore lush vegetation alongside streams and waterfalls, making it an ideal spot for education and nature walks enriched by guided tours and extensive plant information resources.
Chicago Botanical Garden, Illinois
As the most frequented public garden in the U.S., the Chicago Botanic Garden spans over 385 acres and features 26 distinct gardens representing various habitats. This garden attracts over a million visitors annually, focusing on the conservation of rare plant species while offering multiple academic programs.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Texas
Located in the heart of Fort Worth, this 110-acre garden is the oldest in Texas and features over 2,500 species of plants. It’s known for its Japanese-style rose garden, waterfalls, and a 10,000-square-foot rainforest conservatory, making it a must-visit for family outings.
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
Founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw, this 79-acre site is the oldest botanical garden in North America. It features a herbarium with over 6.6 million specimens and a Japanese-style garden. The garden also hosts a summer Green Living music festival with a geodesic dome and a historic brick conservatory from 1882.
International Rose Test Garden, Oregon
Located in Portland, this garden is the oldest public rose test garden in the U.S., featuring 10,000 rose bushes across 600 varieties. It’s a paradise for rose enthusiasts and a beautiful spot for summer visits.
United States Botanic Garden, Washington D.C.
Established by Congress in 1820, this historic garden near the US Capitol is one of the oldest in America. It contains over 65,000 plants, including ancient ferns, and features themed garden rooms and public displays in a compact yet diverse setting.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Florida
Near Miami, Fairchild covers 83 acres and is both a lush botanical garden and a hub for conservation research. It features a butterfly conservatory and a vast collection of tropical fruit plants, making it a comprehensive venue for both leisure and learning.
Huntington Library Art Museum and Botanical Garden, California
This expansive site in San Marino offers 16 themed gardens and an extensive collection of art and library resources. It’s famous for its Japanese garden and the Garden of Flowering Fragrance, providing a serene escape filled with cultural and botanical treasures.
Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania
Longwood Gardens spans 1,075 acres and features spectacular shows like the Orchid Extravaganza. It’s known for its diverse plant collections and seasonal light shows, offering something for everyone.
Filoli Botanical Garden, California
Filoli is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and features 16 acres of formal gardens within a 654-acre estate. It’s known for its spring bulb displays, fruit trees, and elegant water features.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Texas
This 66-acre garden in Dallas hosts the largest outdoor flower festival in the Southwest, known as Dallas Blooms. The garden offers numerous amenities, including a children’s area and thematic gardens exploring different botanical experiences.
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, New Mexico
Located in Albuquerque, the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden has 36 acres of gardens. It features several rare and exotic plants from the Southwest and around the world.
Visitors to the garden can enjoy various public displays, including the Sasebo Japanese Garden, the Children’s Fantasy Garden, the Butterfly Pavilion, and the BUGarium, one of the largest arthropod displays in the United States. ABQ BioPark is also home to a zoo, an aquarium, and Tin
Danelo Cavalcante, the convicted killer who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison, was seen overnight Saturday, according to state police, who said the fugitive had “changed his appearance” as the manhunt enters its 11th day.
“He is now clean-shaven and wearing a yellow or green hooded sweatshirt, black baseball cap, green prison pants, and white shoes,” Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement early Sunday, adding he was spotted near in northern Chester County near Phoenixville.
Cavalcante, 34, is also said to be driving a 2020 white Ford Transit van with Pennsylvania plates and a refrigeration unit on top, according to police. The van had been reported stolen by a local dairy farm, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office said.
Nearly 400 officers have joined the round-the-clock search operation for Cavalcante, who fled Chester County Prison on August 31 by “crab walking” between two walls, scaling a fence and traversing razor wire.
The sighting Saturday is just the latest:Police Lt. Col. George Bivens, who is leading the search, told reporters Friday there had been “probably eight or nine” other credible sightings since Cavalcante’s escape. Two sightings on Friday were confirmed within the general perimeter where tactical teams, K-9 dogs and a helicopter are scouring for any sign of the fugitive, according to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper James Grothey.
Cavalcante’s escape came about two weeks after he was convicted of first-degree murder for the 2021 killing of his former girlfriend, Deborah Brandão, 33, in Chester County. Authorities said Cavalcante stabbed Brandão 38 times in front of her two children, who are now in the care of her sister.
Cavalcante is also wanted in a 2017 homicide case in Brazil, his native country, a US Marshals Service official has said.
The inmate’s escape from the prison about 30 miles west of Philadelphia has instilled fear within his victim’s family and distressed nearby residents like Ryan Drummond, who told CNN he saw Cavalcante in his Pocopson Township home the night of September 1.
Describing it as an “acute moment of terror,” Drummond said he heard noise in his house and noticed an old French door off the side of their deck was slightly ajar.
“That’s when my stomach dropped,” he told CNN’s Michael Smerconish.
Drummond told his wife to call 911, he said, and saw Cavalcante “walking methodically” out of the kitchen into his living room before leaving the house via the French door.
Cavalcante was seen in or around Chester County’s Longwood Gardens – about 3 miles from the prison – several times last week. On September 2, the fugitive was seen on surveillance video about 1.5 miles from the prison, authorities said. On Monday, a security camera recorded the fugitive at Longwood Gardens, authorities said.
An area resident then reported seeing Cavalcante on Tuesday in a creek bed on the resident’s property. On Wednesday, a trail camera image showed Cavalcante in or around Longwood Gardens, but officials learned about this sighting Thursday evening, according to Bivens.
Guests were asked to leave the botanical gardens Thursday as the entire venue closed for the manhunt. Police swarmed the botanical gardens, but did not catch the killer.
Despite Cavalcante’s elusive streak, Bivens said he is confident the fugitive will be caught.
“We’ve got a large perimeter secured,” he said Friday. “That is a pretty secure perimeter that we can push hard against with the tactical team.”
