Our mission is to promote biodiversity by growing straight species native plants, indigenous to Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic region, using local-ecotype plants whenever possible, to promote genetic variability and healthy ecosystems. We do not carry native plant cultivars (or nativars) - plants with traits isolated due to artificial selection, since this process may limit or exclude genetic diversity and adaptability.
We do not use insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides. We don't use hormones or growth inhibitors/regulators on our plants. If you come to our nursery, our flowering perennials won't be frozen in a perpetual state of bloom. You might see signs of insect foraging on the leaves, and that means they're providing a function in the ecosystem.
We do not use insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides. We don't use hormones or growth inhibitors/regulators on our plants. If you come to our nursery, our flowering perennials won't be frozen in a perpetual state of bloom. You might see signs of insect foraging on the leaves, and that means they're providing a function in the ecosystem.
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Open-pollinated plants - plants pollinated by by insects, animals, wind, or other natural processes - allow for genetic diversity and greater amount of variation within plant populations. Open pollination allows plants to adapt to changing climate and changes in local conditions.
Our desire at Good Host Plants is to provide the best possible native plants for gardening and restoration projects, not simply the native cultivars commonly found in garden centers, and believe genetic provenance to be of utmost importance.Our network of growers, including Archewild and Kind Earth Growers, are committed to the preservation of regional genetic diversity.
Our desire at Good Host Plants is to provide the best possible native plants for gardening and restoration projects, not simply the native cultivars commonly found in garden centers, and believe genetic provenance to be of utmost importance.Our network of growers, including Archewild and Kind Earth Growers, are committed to the preservation of regional genetic diversity.
By planting native plants, you restore habitat for wildlife by providing food and shelter. You'll attract songbirds and butterflies. Native plants require little irrigation or maintenance (reducing cost and time), are adapted to the climate and soil conditions of our region, prevent stormwater runoff and.
Wildlife needs water to survive, from drinking water for birds to a place to live in for amphibians and insects. It's a requirement for registering your yard as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Landscaping with native plants will bring wildlife to your yard, but perhaps nothing is better at attracting wildlife than a pond.
Illinois Wildflowers - Best resource to search for faunal associations with a particular plant. Jersey-Friendly Plant Database - Great searchable database to help select plants that grow in New Jersey. Can filter results to include only native species, and drill down by pH requirements, ecoregion, deer resistance, and more.
Reviews (7)
Alex Ridyard
Jun 28, 2020
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John has been incredibly helpful to me over the past two years as I planned out my first wildflower garden. I purchased plants from Good Host Plants last fall and they are doing great! I have always been impressed by John’s knowledge and passion for native plants. Definitely recommend this nursery!!
L. W.
May 30, 2020
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Sean Ongley
Dec 29, 2019
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Sean Northrop
Sep 14, 2019
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Rob Reed
Dec 03, 2018
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Le W.
Mar 21, 2018
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Louise Hayes
Jan 28, 2018
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John built a wildlife pond in my back yard for me, and it's wonderful! He really knows his stuff. He had good advice about site location, and was meticulous in measuring, digging. and lining the pond. The pond has multiple layers for different sorts of plants and habitat, including a deep spot for frogs and tadpoles to overwinter. Although it's late in the year, he was able to supply enough plants to get the biological processes going for the tadpoles and other watery goodness he brought from his own pond. I'll get more plants from Good Host in the spring, when the pond will only get better, but
