Alter Native

Spring blooms season

Welcome to Alter Native: a cottage garden for native plants

Beautiful, beginner-friendly gardening tips focused on native species that thrive in local climates. Learn how to create a welcoming, pollinator-friendly space with simple steps and seasonal ideas.

Explore the Blog Beginners Guide

Latest posts on native plants

Organic, beginner-friendly tips for a thriving cottage garden.

Native plants

Choosing native plants for a beginner-friendly cottage garden

Discover how to select adaptable natives, assess site conditions, and plan a low-maintenance layout that supports local wildlife.

Soil & care

Soil care tips for native gardens

Keep soil healthy with minimal disturbance, mulching, and simple amendments tailored to regional natives.

Water-wise

Water-wise planning for native plant beds

Design watering routines that conserve water while keeping your natives lush and thriving.

Plant spotlight

Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

A tough perennial with green-blue foliage and clusters of pale blue flowers that attract pollinators.

Plant spotlight

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Low maintenance and wildlife-friendly with vibrant coneflower blooms in midsummer.

Plant spotlight

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Delicate, shade-loving native with nodding red and yellow blossoms ideal for woodland corners.

Guide

Beginners guide to starting a native plant bed

Step-by-step fundamentals: assess sun and soil, choose natives, plan spacing, and establish with simple care routines.

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Guide

Maintenance calendar for a cottage garden

Season-by-season tasks to keep your native beds healthy without overwhelming work.

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