Question 1

Do you garden organically?​​

Accepted Answer

Yes. Wild Sky Gardens employs an Integrated Pest Management approach - which means starting with physical barriers + other solutions first - + uses organic compost, natural mulch + dense plantings to suppress weeds + foster a healthy soil full of nutrients. We also work to minimize unnecessary plastics, re-using plant containers + sourcing bulk mulch that does not come in plastic bags.

Question 2

Where do you source your plants from?​

Accepted Answer

Plants grown in their natural ecosystem are more likely to thrive. Wild Sky sources locally-grown plants where possible - within a 100-mile radius of DC - + only organic plants grown without chemicals.

Question 3

Will you plant non-native plants?​

Accepted Answer

Yes! Not all non-native plants are invasive. Many non-native plants behave themselves in that they do not spread aggressively and take over. Annual flowers for example are a great way to add color to the garden. Wild Sky will plant non-native plants on a case-by-case basis if the desired species is well-behaved, and if it isn’t one of the more common plants that are contributing to the monoculture and lack of diversity in our plant species.

Question 4

Can native plants help with my mosquito problem?

Accepted Answer

Somewhat…Native plants can help manage mosquito populations, but work best as part of an integrated approach that supports natural predators and reduces the need for water-intensive, mosquito-friendly landscaping. Native plant gardens provide a habitat for natural predators: they attract birds, dragonflies, and frogs that eat mosquitoes and their larvae. Many non-native plants (including invasive plants like English Ivy) are dense, creating cool, damp resting spots for mosquitoes. Native plants are typically more drought-tolerant, making the environment less inviting for mosquitoes.

Question 5

How can I ensure my plants won't die?​

Accepted Answer

While a huge benefit of native gardens is their low-maintenance nature, they do need regular watering to establish, particularly in Year 1. Unless the ground is frozen, they need regular (every ~3 days or so) watering for the first couple of months, unless it rains. After that, they don’t require irrigation or regular watering unless there is a serious drought. You will receive an After-Care document to help guide you. However, if you would like support in the garden upkeep, Wild Sky has a Garden Maintenance option.

Question 6

Transitioning my garden to a native plant garden feels daunting + expensive! Can I just do a little?  ​

Accepted Answer

Yes! The most important thing is to provide even a few native species to help create pathways for pollinators. The recommended minimum mix of native to non-native species is a 70/30 ratio. But removing invasive species, reducing our lawns even a bit + planting a few native plants goes a long way in helping our ecosystem.

Question 7

How do I know if a plant is invasive or not?

Accepted Answer

There are countless resources on the web listing invasive plants + University of Maryland Extension has some helpful info and links, including the Field Guide to Plant Invaders of the Mid-Atlantic.

Question 8

Do you provide landscape services like leaf blowing, turf grass care + mowing?

Accepted Answer

No. That's not in the Wild Sky wheelhouse. One of our goals is to reduce turf grass + replace it with more sustainable, native options.

We also support/encourage Leaving the Leaves.

Mt. Cuba Center has done + continues to do research on turf grass replacement options.

Question 9

Which native plants are most valuable to wildlife?

Accepted Answer

Oak trees, goldenrods, asters, and sunflowers are most valuable, but there are plenty more. For a more complete list, click here.

Question 10

What else do I need to know about native plants?

Accepted Answer

Some patience is required! “Sleep -> Creep -> Leap” is a common phrase describing the 3-year growth cycle of perennial plants + shrubs. In their 1st year, native plants “sleep” as they focus energy on establishing roots underground; in their 2nd year, they “creep,” growing slowly; + in the 3rd year, they “leap,” reaching full size + bloom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you garden organically?​​

Where do you source your plants from?​

Will you plant non-native plants?​

Can native plants help with my mosquito problem?

How can I ensure my plants won't die?​

Transitioning my garden to a native plant garden feels daunting + expensive! Can I just do a little? ​

How do I know if a plant is invasive or not?

Do you provide landscape services like leaf blowing, turf grass care + mowing?

Which native plants are most valuable to wildlife?

What else do I need to know about native plants?

Do you garden organically?

Where do you source your plants from?

Will you plant non-native plants?

How can I ensure my plants won't die?

Transitioning my garden to a native plant garden feels daunting + expensive! Can I just do a little?