EBGA is committed to providing a beautiful garden space for the community as well as a refuge for local birds, pollinators and other native wildlife. In 2021, two garden plots were designated as native pollinator gardens. One plot in full sun and one in partial shade to showcase the beauty each of these environments can provide. These native plots offer the beauty of ornamental gardens as well as food for butterflies, bumblebees, hummingbirds and more!

Why Native Plants are so Important:

Native Plants are the backbone of an ecosystem. These plants evolved in our region alongside the pollinators they attract. More native plants mean more choices of food and shelter for native birds and pollinators. These plants also don’t need fertilizer and need much less water than a typical ornamental garden because they have adapted to the Midwest’s climate for longer than people have even been around.

What Plants are Growing?

Wild Columbine Aquilegia canadensis

Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis

Early Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides

Short’s Aster Symphyotrichum shortii

Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica

Brown Eyed Susan Rudbeckia triloba

Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa

Lanceleaf Coreopsis Coreopisis lanceolata

Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea

Hairy Beardtongue Penstemon hirsutus

Button Blazing Star Liatris aspera

Bush’s Poppy Mallow Callirhoe bushing

Bee Balm or Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa

Eastern Prickly Pear Opuntia humifusa