Good Native Plants

09/14/2026

“Why fall is the best time to plant native seeds 🌾
Most North American native wildflowers evolved to drop their seeds in autumn. Those seeds don't sprout right away. Instead, they wait through winter, using the cold and moisture to break down their natural dormancy. This process is called cold stratification, and many native species won't germinate without it.
That's why fall sowing works so well. You plant, nature handles the rest, and seedlings emerge in spring on their own schedule.
Here's the full cycle:
🟡 Fall (Sep to Nov): Prime sowing window. Seeds settle in before the ground freezes. (Disclaimer: Avoid broadcasting during early warm spells in September to prevent premature germination and frost kill; target late October through November once soil temperatures consistently drop below 50°F).
🟤 Winter (Nov to Mar): Cold stratification happens naturally. Freezing temps and moisture soften seed coats and signal seeds to prepare for germination.
🟢 Winter and spring (Jan to May): You can still sow during this window. Winter sowing catches the remaining cold period, while spring sowing works best for species that don't require stratification.
🟠 Spring through fall (Mar to Oct): Bloom season. Early species flower in spring, and asters and goldenrods carry the color into October.
Missed fall? You haven't missed your chance. Sow in winter or early spring and let the remaining cold do the work.”
Source: Native Flora Seeds on Facebook
🌱Check out our Winter Sowing and Seed College resources on our website. Link in bio to our website, then choose Links. Direct link in comments.

09/13/2026

Special thanks to my mom for making our table at charlo fall fair a success! 💚

We had so many great conversations about native plants and pollinator conservation, and are especially grateful for all the kids and adults alike who took some time to make paper seedbombs and learn a little about ecology 🐝

Shoutout to Ethan Hogan for winning our free prize draw, receiving an 8-pack collection of native seeds to support the monarch butterfly, and a hand beaded monarch butterfly pin! “

//francais//

Un merci tout spécial à ma maman d’avoir contribué au succès de notre kiosque à la fete au village de charlo! 💚

Nous avons eu tellement de belles conversations sur les plantes indigènes et la conservation des pollinisateurs. Nous sommes particulièrement reconnaissants envers tous les enfants et les adultes qui ont pris le temps de fabriquer des bombes de semences en papier et d’en apprendre un peu plus sur l’écologie. 🐝🌱

Un grand merci à Ethan Hogan d’avoir remporté notre tirage gratuit! 🎉 Il repart avec une collection de 8 sachets de semences indigènes pour soutenir le papillon monarque, ainsi qu’une épinglette de papillon monarque perlée à la main!

Charlo Fall Fair - Fête au Village de Charlo

06/06/2026

2-3:30 pm we’ll be giving out free cold-stratified native flower seeds in Girouard park, NDG! Supplies limited

04/16/2026

What does it mean to truly decolonize your landscape?

Decolonization, or as I like to call it, Rematriation, demands an ongoing process of unlearning 'colonizer' habits, rituals, and ways of knowing the world around us.

Gardening with native plants is but one way of unlearning some of the toxic practices instilled in us by colonized society, absorbed like osmosis through exposure to its systems.

Rematriation allows you to shift your practices towards ones that are future-oriented and nourishing for the human animal, as well as our non-human community members.

Shifting to native plants demands unlearning gardening practices such as which species you consider a w**d, which seasons you plant in, and the kinds and quantities of resources (soil, water, fertilizers, pesticides, labour) used.

Rewards of rematriation include your reconnection with a part of yourself that has been neglected --nature, in addition to the conservation of native biodiversity, which is crucial for the preservation of both Indigenous cultures and a livable climate.

01/28/2026

Meet Monarda fistulosa: pollinator magnet revealed.

Did you know this light-purple beauty is more than just a pretty face? Monarda fistulosa, also called wild bergamot, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while thriving in tough Canadian gardens. Unlike many native species, this lady's seeds can be sown in Spring or Fall!

This plant supports biodiversity and carries deep meaning in Indigenous stewardship. Curious about how to plant them or why it matters for restoration? We're here to help you choose and grow native species that make a difference.

Ready to bring Monarda fistulosa to your garden? Ask us for planting tips or a personalized seed collection today! 🌱

01/27/2026

Good Native Plants will be at the Fête des semences de Montréal on January 30–31, 2026, at Collège Ahuntsic, from 10:00 to 16:00.

We’ll be bringing a wide selection of native seeds acquired and packaged with care, for people who want to restore land, support pollinators, and reconnect with the plants that have always belonged here.

Planting native species is more than gardening.
It is an act of rematriation.
It is a way to push back against ecological extraction.
It is a way to rebuild relationships with land for the next seven generations.

When you plant native plants, you are:
• Supporting local ecosystems
• Feeding birds and pollinators
• Reducing chemical and water use
• Strengthening Indigenous knowledge systems
• Taking part in climate resilience from the ground up

Come visit our table to:
🌾 Learn about native plants
🌾 Ask questions
🌾 Find seeds for your space
🌾 Join the growing movement to decolonize our gardens

📍 Collège Ahuntsic
📅 January 30–31, 2026
🕙 10:00–16:00

Let’s grow futures rooted in respect, responsibility, and relationship.
See you there.

Rendez-vous les vendredi 30 et samedi 31 janvier, de 10 h à 16 h, pour célébrer les semences, l'agriculture urbaine et l'autosuffisance alimentaire au cœur de Montréal. Cet événement rassemble jardinier·ères, agriculteur·rices urbain·es et toute personne curieuse du rôle essentiel des se...

01/25/2026

Are these sunny blooms native to you? Many people are surprised by where native plants truly belong. Curious which plants support your local ecosystem?

Share your garden photos or questions below. Let’s learn and grow together! 🌱