D E S I G N

Artistically-driven native plant communities
that solve environmental challenges.

S P E A K I N G

C L A S S E S
Bringing passion, new thinking, and humor to audiences around the world.
Videos on researching, installing, & managing your designed habitat garden.


M I S S I O N

In a time of climate change and mass extinction gardens matter more than ever.

We don't have to default to high-maintenance expanses of lawn, or to beds that need annual mulch applications or use the same exotic plants we see in any garden in any state. Plants don't want to be marooned several feet apart; plants want to cavort and mingle and be their own mulch while naturally improving soil with layered root systems. When we discover our ecoregion we find our home place -- and we bring the power of local nature into our lives. As we witness wildlife use the garden's plants, we understand that ours is not the only voice on this planet. And we are liberated.

Gardens should be as beautiful to us as to other species.


U N I Q U E   P R O C E S S

We use 95% native plants to support wildlife while
specializing on the planting design for each site.

Our plants are younger which helps them establish sooner.

We use high-density plant communities in artistic designs that mimic nature to increase ecological function and decrease maintenance over time.

Our gardens don't rely on amending soil,  annual wood
mulch / fertilizer applications, or post-install herbicides.

We specialize in lawn conversions and urban shade meadows of any scale.
Monarch Gardens did a wonderful job understanding my needs and complementing my vision.... Easy to work with, prompt, and mindful of budget."

Monarch Garden's philosophy is exactly what we've been looking for."

I wish there were more stars than five as an option! Benjamin showed up when expected and completed the work in a timely manner. We've been surprised by how much it's already grown in just the first year. We couldn't recommend Benjamin enough."
client reviews
L A N D S C A P E S

A P P E A R A N C E S

"Absolutely moving, inspired, poetic message. This lecture will change the way I garden forever after. So. Very. Worthwhile.”

"An honest, authentic, and stirring call to action."


12/7-- The Nature Foundation of Will county -- online

12/18 -- Western Pennsylvania Wild Ones -- online

1/18/24 -- Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens -- online

2/7/24 -- Hardy Plant Society -- online

2/14/24 -- Franklin County Ohio Master Gardeners -- online

2/21/24 -- The Nature Foundation of Will county -- online

3/5/24 -- Barrie Garden Club -- online

3/16/24 -- Iowa State University Polk County Extension -- in person

4/10/24 -- The Nature Foundation of Will county -- online

8/7/24 -- The Nature Foundation of Will county -- online
C O M M U N I T Y
G A R D E N   G U I D E S

W O R K S H O P
A membership community devoted to intermediate native plant gardeners. Through an ecology-based forum and collaborative work, we empower one another to garden sustainably with intentional design.
These 15 pocket guides provide essential information in an easy-to-digest format, perfect for referring back to time and again as you design, plant, and manage your natural landscape.
In this self-paced, four-part series you will explore how to research native plants, employ layers in various ecological niches, use a matrix composed of plugs, and practice design based on plant habit and succession.

B O O K S
"Absolutely extraordinary."
"More than a garden book."
"A call to arms and a joy to read."
"The manual for getting started."
"Finally a beginner native plant book."
"Hands down the most useful."

as seen in

Monarch Gardens