Description: This walk will take place at Native’s Haven Nursery on Sunday, July 21, 2024. The walk is free of charge, and no pre-registration is required. Guided tours of the property will begin at 11am and 2pm. Bill and Terrie Warzecha, the owners of Native’s Haven, describe their wonderful property as follows: We bought the 6-1/4 acre property in 2005, and it was farmland. After that, we began the transformation of the corn/soybean field. We began planning and planting from the property’s backyard line, then the house was built. We planted both non-native and native plants on the part of the property that was our vision to become a nursery. When we were designing and planting, it wasn’t our intention to have a native plant nursery. It was going to be called “Ponds and Petals,” featuring water gardens and plants.
We decided to dedicate about 1.5 acres to a native plant prairie and planted a prairie mix of wild flowers and grasses containing 100 different species of native wildflowers and grasses to bloom continuously late spring through fall. A few years down the road, we saw how the natives grew and thrived without watering and how much life the prairie was attracting, and from that realization, we decided why not make this a native plant nursery? It was a no-brainer!
We researched and studied all about native plants and networked with native plant experts (like the wonderful WPPC and TLC members). Our vision was to create a nursery where you would be able to observe native plants available for retail purchase in a natural setting. We also wanted to feature formal beds landscaped in a way to provide design ideas to showcase how native plants can be used even in smaller settings, such as subdivisions or urban properties with minimal garden space, where a more manicured look is desired.
In 2016, we opened the doors to Natives Haven Nursery! Throughout the nursery, we placed signs in beds containing information on the plants’ characteristics, such as native range, etc. These signs also include fun facts on how early Native Americans used the native plants for medicine, clothing, shelter, etc. Several plants on the property are on the federally threatened and endangered list.
We invite you to take the time to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits Natives Haven’s gardens have to offer. Stroll the meandering paths surrounded by wildflower display beds. A large pond with a fountain is nestled in between. Along the way, sit at one of our many benches where you are encouraged to watch or just listen to the birds and pollinators. It is soothing to the soul! You will be astounded at the amount of birds, butterflies and pollinators these native plants attract!
After the WPPC “Walk on the Wild Side” today, you will have an opportunity to purchase plants.
Directions: Take Rt. 47 north out of Woodstock heading towards Hebron. Turn left (west) on Thayer Road. Go two miles to Johnson Road. Turn right (north). One mile to Durkee Road. Turn left. Property is on the corner of Johnson and Durkee Road. 13809 Durkee Rd, Harvard. Please park on Durkee Road.
