05/08/2025
I'm a bit late in sharing, but back in February I passed the Grow Native Certified Professional exam. The Grow Native program is run by the Missouri Prairie Foundation and the certification recognizes individuals' knowledge and skills related to working with native plants in a professional capacity.
This was the hardest test I have ever taken in my life and in fact, I failed it the first time. I spent months studying and basically memorized the hundreds of plants in the native plant database by color, height, bloom time, sun, and soil conditions. I had to recognize plants by sight, identify trees by their leaves, put plants in order of bloom succession, match native insects to their host plants (not just Monarchs!), and identify and know how to eradicate invasive plants like Bush honeysuckle or burning bush.
In recognition of passing the test, I received a certificate, a button, and now when I talk about native plants you can rest easy that a governing body says I know what I'm talking about 😂. I'm also listed on the Grow Native Certified Professionals website, linked in my bio.
So what does all this mean? It means I'm a giant nerd who willingly signs herself up for tests and continuing education requirements. It also means that I can help you establish and maintain your own native plant gardens. I created two large native plant gardens last year that I refer to as my prairies, and I'd love to help you do the same!
Come to my seedling giveaway this Saturday from 9-noon at The Quite Contrary Garden and you can see The Quite Contrary Prairie. I'll have some native plant seedlings to give away in addition to veggie plants.
