Hi friends,

Even though winter is settling in, our native landscapes here in the Upstate haven’t called it quits. In fact, a huge part of ecological gardening happens after the flowers fade. Today, I want to highlight a few native plants that are doing important ecological work right now. Quietly holding space for wildlife while the rest of the garden sleeps.

If you left your goldenrod standing (thank you!), those dried seedheads are feeding finches, sparrows, and chickadees through winter. Goldenrod stems also host overwintering native bees.

Winter benefit: food + nesting habitat
Pro tip: resist the urge to cut it back until spring

Those dark seed cones are basically bird feeders standing on stalks. Goldfinches especially rely on these seeds right now.

Winter benefit: seeds for birds
Pro tip: leave stems 6–12 inches tall after cutting, they become bee nurseries

This grass turns copper-bronze in winter and holds that color beautifully. But more importantly, its dense clumps are insulation and shelter for insects, winter birds, and overwintering larvae.

Winter benefit: shelter + low, warm cover
Pro tip: Little Bluestem loves neglect, do less, enjoy more

Native plants are working underground, storing energy, protecting soils, and supporting life we don’t see. Winter is actually when native gardens prove their ecological value.

If your yard still has standing seedheads, dried stalks, or “messy corners,” you’re already doing something meaningful for local ecosystems.

Sometimes the most sustainable gardening choice you can make… is to do nothing.

Pick one native plant in your yard and decide to leave it standing until spring—including the stems. Nature will thank you later.

I’ll send a short guide on best native shrubs to plant in early spring, plus a couple that actually like winter planting in the Upstate.

If you enjoyed this issue, reply and tell me what native plants are hanging on at your place. I read every message.

Stay rooted,
Stan