Sources for Native Plants and Seeds in Southern Maryland
Bona Terra
Bona Terra is a microbusiness nursery based in Indian Head, Maryland with an office in Washington, DC that focuses on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake ecoregion. We sustainably grow and sell native plants and seeds (including a selection of local ecotypes) with wild genetics to retail customers with discounts offered to landscape professionals, master gardeners, and conservation and restoration non-profits.
In 2023, Bona Terra started the Plant Grant Initiative to give out free native seedlings to local organizations and homeowners in an effort to get native plants in the ground. We saw an untapped resource in the people in our community that wanted to support ecosystems with native plants. By providing some basic information and free seedlings, we have removed many of the barriers to entry and allowed more people to become the change they want to see in the world.
Butterfly Alley
“Butterfly Alley is a seasonal native plant stand in Southern Maryland that is committed to selling cost effective plugs, with limited quarts and gallons, in April and September. We have an on-site demo garden. Feel free to stop by and collect seeds anytime. We offer a 30% discount to non-profits and community gardens. Our motto is: success is measured in butterflies!” ~ Carrie Krier
Chesapeake Natives
“The Mission of Chesapeake Natives, Inc. is to promote, protect, and propagate plants native to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
We are looking forward to partnering with Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay to promote the use of native plants through volunteer events, workshops, and community outreach.” ~ Kelly Lawhorn
College of Southern Maryland Seed box
“I think they [seed libraries] are a fantastic resource for a community to help fight food insecurity and reconnect us in a time where we are increasingly separated from the source of our food. Establishing this seed library has been a very fulfilling and educational experience…. Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay…. [was] endlessly welcoming and generous in sharing wisdom, resources, and native plant seeds to get us started! I am also excited to involve the CSM Eco-Hawks: Students for Environmental Sustainability Club in our seed library operations, since our students are the heart of everything, we do here…. I think it is going to be a very successful and enriching addition to our campus.” ~ Maddie Kaba, Library Assistant
Goodman LLC
“Goodman LLC is a Southern Maryland-based native plant nursery and ecological consulting business dedicated to restoring and protecting the landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay region through the use of native plants and conservation-based land management practices. Our work closely aligns with the mission of Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay by promoting biodiversity, supporting pollinators and wildlife, improving water quality, and helping communities transition toward sustainable, resilient landscapes. Through partnerships, education, and hands-on projects, we strive to make native plants accessible and practical for homeowners, volunteers, and local organizations working to steward the land.” ~ Edward Goodman
St. Mary’s County S.E.E.D.S. Library
Free veggie, herb, and native plant seeds for personal use are available to “checkout” at the three public libraries in St. Mary’s County. Their mission is to bring the members of our community together and give them access to free seeds and the information they will need to grow their own plants. We hope to cultivate a flourishing network of gardeners, plant enthusiasts and avid learners who are dedicated to the sharing of seeds and knowledge.
