Our Local Ecotype collection reflects a commitment to growing native plants that are connected to the landscapes they are intended to serve. Each plant is grown from seed, rather than cuttings, helping maintain the genetic diversity that allows plant populations to adapt, persist, and evolve over time.
Seed is gathered responsibly from wild populations throughout New England, primarily within Ecoregions 58 and 59, following careful documentation and collection protocols. These collections form the foundation of our regional seed increase program, where plants are grown, flower, and cross-pollinate naturally, creating a broad and diverse New England gene pool.
Rather than preserving a single local population in isolation, our approach embraces the genetic richness found across the region. The result is a resilient and adaptable plant population—one shaped by the varied climates, soils, and ecological communities of New England.
These plants support more than beautiful landscapes. They contribute to the complex relationships between native plants, pollinators, birds, and other wildlife while helping restore ecological function in gardens, public spaces, and restoration projects. As environmental conditions continue to change, genetic diversity remains one of the most valuable tools for building resilient plant communities.
At its heart, our Local Ecotype program is about growing plants with a known regional origin and stewarding the diversity that allows New England’s native flora to thrive for generations to come.