Tax exempt purchases can currently only be processed in person at one of our garden centers OR via email when placing a bulk order at order@prairieresto.com. Unfortunately, our e-commerce store cannot process tax exempt orders at this time. Additionally, once an order is placed via our e-commerce store, we are unable to provide a refund of the tax collected. Thank you for understanding.

Please allow 1 - 2 weeks for plants or seed to be ready for pick up if ordered. If you need plants sooner, please visit one of our garden centers in Princeton or Scandia where we have plants available for immediate in store purchase. Online plant orders made outside of growing season will be shipped in the Spring.

Our Return Policy

We accept returns of unused store merchandise with the tags attached, within two weeks of purchase. 

We do not accept returns of live plants or seeds. 

Live plants in the original container may be exchanged at the store managers discretion. Please call if you have a situation that you feel warrants this discussion. 

We do not accept return of seeds due to unknown manipulation.

APB is a specific pot size that allows for more room and depth for roots to grow. We often use these in tree and shrub species as well as herbaceous plants that require deeper roots. 

The APB pot size is approximately 2"x2"x6"

Trees that come in APB pots are typically around 18" in height. 

the following list, while not exhaustive, includes various species that tend to do well in the acidic, shady, and needle-littered conditions typically found under pine trees in Minnesota.

Many species that we carry in live plants, we don't offer in seed. This is because of several factors from intricacies of harvesting seed, problems in germination for customers, and various other impediments that make it difficult to produce seed at a production level. 

This means that in addition to any seeding you do, you will need to supplement the diversity of your restoration project with live plants.

A true remnant prairie may have 150-200 plus species present, and many seed mixes are limited to 10-20 species, which is a rather low bio-diversity. With time and energy, you can add live plants and increase the natural diversity of the site by 3-4 times the number of species. 

We also encourage customers to utilize live plants from the initial planting as it helps mitigate some weeds, provides visual appeal in year 1, and overall helps to create much better restoration in the long run. 

Planting Native Seed

Native seed can be broadcast at any time in the season. There are specific times that will aid in the germination rate, however. 

Most native wildflowers require a period of cold stratification. Often 30-90 days. This timeframe allows for the seed to break its dormancy cycle. Once these stratification requirements have been met the plant will germinate when the ground temperature, and moisture is adequate in the Spring.

Native grass seed often does not have the same stratification requirements. A dormant fall planting between October and December, along with your wildflowers is common. You can also plant in the Spring once the soil has warmed, usually mid- May to late June. As with any seed it is important to keep consistent soil moisture to ensure germination and future growth.

Native Plant Dormancy

Many native plants have a season of bloom after which they go into a dormancy stage. This allows them to reserve their energy for the next year's growth. Similar to how a tree loses its leaves in the fall. 

This dormant behavior is typical of spring ephemerals, which are generally dormant by early summer. Often losing all foliage. Most native flowers tend to show some level of dormancy by the time early fall arrives. These plants still have healthy viable root systems. They are just no longer putting energy into producing leaves or flowers. 

We offer custom products

Whether you are looking for 50 personalized seed packets for a small gathering or you would like to discuss plants custom grown to your site needs we have the capabilities to do it all. 

Please reach out to our Product Sales Manager for a quote on your custom product. Order@prairieresto.com

Native Garden Planning:

Native gardens are very dynamic. Altering themselves to the everchanging conditions that they are planted in. Designing in this fluid environment can be tricky. We work with many wonderful design contractors who can provide plans that allow for this altering space. 

When is the best time to plant:

 When planting natives you are not bound to the same traditional restrictions you would have with an annual plant. The native plants we offer are perennial plants that live for several years, some for decades. These plants are also especially adapted to our specific eco-region and the harsh environment of a Midwest winter.  While it is always nice to plant your natives in the spring and enjoy them all season, you should have no worries about planting them in the fall. The Fall season is an ideal time to plant natives. The cooler temperatures signal the plant to put its energy toward its roots rather than its leaves. The soil traditionally maintains more moisture later in the season, providing what the plant needs while requiring less output from you.