Inland Lakeshore Garden Kit

Plants that like lakefront living, arranged into zones to plant right down to the water's edge (scroll down for plant list). Native plants are perfect for lakeshores primarily because of their extensive roots that are at least as deep as the plant is tall. These root systems are also often massive in volume, with a tangle of fibers that binds soil together. Turf grass has very shallow roots.
 
In times of low water, native plants can survive without watering because they can reach moisture deep below. In times of high water, their sturdy roots can hold tough against waves and ice. Native plants and their root systems are also great at soaking up runoff and reducing water pollution.
 
Native plants are adapted to our wildlife, birds, and pollinators. For example, while a Monarch butterfly may sip nectar from any number of plants, they require native milkweed to feed their caterpillars. There are many of these relationships between native plants and wildlife, so lend a hand and create habitat while creating your beautiful, strong, native plant lakeshore garden.
 
This mix of plants will provide flowers, food, and habitat for a variety of beneficial insects, pollinators, and birds, all while protecting from erosion and preserving water quality. This kit includes groupings of plants meant to be planted in one of three different zones:
 
Zone 1 is below the water line, in the lake. Wild Blue Iris are Zone 1 plants and are the most water-tolerant in this kit, but seedlings should not be planted directly in the water. Instead, plant just above the waterline and allow them to spread into the water when established.  
Pickerel Weed, Three Square Bulrush, White Water Lily, and Arrowhead, sold seperately, are good companion plants for Zone 1 if you want to expand your planting with a more aquatic species.
Zone 2 is transitional, above the waterline, and ranges from wet to frequently moist. Plants will include Joe Pye Weed, Purplestem Aster, Swamp Milkweed, Boneset, Monkey Flower, Blue Lobelia, Culver’s Root, Marsh Blazing Star, Blue Vervain, Dark Green Bulrush, Cardinal Flower, Dogtooth Daisy, Turtlehead, or others
Zone 3 is upland with medium soil, suitable for most native plants. The plants included to get you started on your native plant garden may include New England Aster, Flattop Aster, Canada Wild Rye, Stiff or Grass-leaved Goldenrod, Spiderwort, Sweet Black-eyed Susan, Mountain Mint, Wild Bergamot, Tall or Paleleaf Sunflower, Harebell or others.
 
This economical kit includes 38 plugs that fill 38 square feet at 1 foot spacing - a 4'x9.5' bed; or up to 86 square feet at 1.5 sq. ft. spacing - a 6'x14' bed. Comes with a planting guide. Each plant is individually tagged for identification and all tags include height so you can alter the layout to suit your space. These are the intended species, but substitutions may be necessary depending on germination and growing conditions. Note that the picture is an example of our plants in a plug tray. We don't have pictures of this actual mix yet and it will differ from the picture. Want more? We are offering our kit with expansion packs of extra special plants:
 
Erosion Control comes with two 4.5" pots of Three Square Bulrush to plant right on/in the water's edge, plus a 4.5 inch pot of Red Osier Dogwood. Both these plants do a great job holding soil together at the water's edge.
 
Extra Flowers comes with three 4.5" pots of Pickerelweed (purple flower), Grass Leaf Arrowhead (white flower), and White Water Lily (floating white flower). Plant them in the shallow water and watch them spread beauty and habitat.