Frequently Asked Questions

We prefer to leave wildflowers in the wild. Even well-intentioned digging, seed collecting, or flower picking can damage sensitive plant populations. Some species recover slowly, and repeated disturbance can have lasting effects.

We never dig plants from public lands or wild areas. When we collect seed from native plants growing on our own property, we harvest only a small portion and leave plenty behind. This allows the plants to reproduce naturally while preserving an important fall and winter food source for birds and other wildlife.

We grow some of our plants from seed collected right here on our 22-acre property. We also responsibly collect seed locally—with permission from landowners—and purchase seed from reputable sources when needed. Plants grown from locally collected seed or other known-provenance seed are identified on our pot labels.

For species we aren’t able to grow ourselves, we work with trusted growing partners and bring in everything from young plugs to established gallon-sized plants. This includes most trees and shrubs as well as selections from American Beauties Native Plants. All of the plant material we grow and sell is neonicotinoid-free.

Our goal is to offer a diverse selection of healthy native plants while continuing to increase the amount we grow from local seed whenever possible.

Yes. While our primary focus is straight native species, we also offer a carefully selected assortment of native cultivars. This includes some of the established plants we bring in from American Beauties Native Plants.

Cultivars are chosen thoughtfully. We generally avoid selections with traits that may reduce their wildlife value, such as double flowers that can make nectar and pollen difficult to access. Instead, we look for cultivars that retain the ecological benefits of the native species while sometimes offering a useful garden trait—such as a more compact habit for smaller spaces.

Our cultivar selections are clearly identified on the plant labels so you can tell them apart from straight species and decide which is right for your garden.

We specialize in native plants, so you won’t find the traditional herbs or vegetable starts commonly sold at garden centers here. With limited growing and retail space, we choose to keep our focus on what we do best: native plants.

That said, quite a few species we offer have edible, culinary, or historical herbal uses. Our mints, Bee Balm, and Anise Hyssop are just a few examples you may find at Arcadia. If you plan to consume any plant, always research proper identification, preparation, and safety protocols first.

Yes. We carry a changing selection of native trees and shrubs throughout the season. From flowering and fruiting species to evergreens, these plants provide important food and habitat for wildlife.

Selection varies throughout the year as plants sell and new inventory arrives. Because woody plants can move quickly, we recommend checking our current Tree & Shrub List before visiting if you’re looking for something specific.

We currently use Pro-Mix potting media for the plants we grow at Arcadia. It does contain peat, and we recognize the environmental concerns surrounding peat-based growing media.

Over the years, we’ve trialed a number of more sustainable alternatives, but so far they haven’t produced plants with the same consistent health and vigor. Healthy plants and strong root systems are our priority. So, we continue to use Pro-Mix while researching and testing more environmentally friendly options for the future.

Not usually. Many of the plants we grow from seed are started outdoors in fall or winter. They experience the natural cycles of cold, snow, rain, and changing temperatures that help native seeds break dormancy and germinate when conditions are right.

Some species are given controlled cold stratification and started indoors. We use this method when it provides better germination or so that we can monitor difficult seeds more closely. Our hoop houses and covered growing areas are also used to protect and manage plants as they develop, but they are not heated greenhouses.

Plants we bring in from our growing partners may have been greenhouse-grown before arriving at Arcadia.

Our plants are grown and sold neonicotinoid-free. Native plants are an important part of a complex food web. Because of that, we avoid pesticide use and take a more tolerant approach to chewed leaves, caterpillars, and other insects.

If insect activity seems to be affecting the health of a plant, we separate the affected plants from the sales area and monitor the situation. Whenever possible, we rely on beneficial insects and other targeted, low-impact methods to restore balance, avoiding broad-spectrum treatments.

Imperfect leaves don’t bother us. They’re often a sign that a plant is doing exactly what it’s meant to do—supporting life. Our goal is to protect ecological relationships while still providing our customers with healthy plants.

We do not currently sell or ship plants online. Arcadia is a small, local nursery, plants and products are purchased in person during our walk-in hours or scheduled afternoon visits.

If you’re traveling a long distance for a particular plant, we recommend checking our current Plant Lists before making the trip. You’re also welcome to call or text us to confirm availability.

Yes! Arcadia gift cards are available as physical, reloadable cards or as digital gift cards that can be sent by text or email.

Physical gift cards can be purchased at the nursery during your visit. We can also send a digital gift card to someone instantly on your behalf. Digital gift cards can be purchased even when we are closed for the season. Just call or text us and we’ll be happy to help.

Because plants are living products, all plant sales are final. We do not offer returns, exchanges, or guarantees after plants leave the nursery.

We want you to go home with healthy plants, so please take a moment to look over your selections before purchasing. If you notice a concern while you’re still at the nursery, just let us know and we’ll be happy to help.

Once a plant leaves Arcadia, its care and growing conditions are outside our control. We cannot guarantee survival after planting. However, we’re always happy to answer questions about siting, planting, and care to help give your new plants the best possible start.

Our shopping schedule varies throughout the season, so we recommend checking the website before planning your visit.

On regular shopping days, morning walk-in hours are available with no appointment needed. Afternoon visits are by appointment, giving customers a reserved time to shop and ask questions. We also offer occasional all-day walk-in shopping days and special events throughout the season.

Our current hours and upcoming shopping dates are always posted on the website so you can see exactly when we’re open before making the trip.

Arcadia is a word that has long been associated with an idyllic, pristine natural landscape—a place where people and nature exist in harmony.

That idea felt like the perfect fit for a nursery devoted to native plants. Arcadia Natives reflects what we hope these plants can help create: gardens and landscapes that are beautiful for people while also providing food, shelter, and habitat for the wildlife that shares them.