In 2023, these North Oaks homeowners shared with us a vision to turn this tree-lined hillside bordering a lake into a beautiful native plant restoration. Though invasive plants like buckthorn, Siberian elm, and sow thistle infested it, we could see its potential for something great.

After meeting with the homeowners and assessing the site, we came up with a plan. We decided that a combination of seeding and planting would yield the best results. Planting offers more immediately attractive results, with young plants growing in more quickly and in a more organized fashion. On the other hand, seeding offers a great diversity of plant species. By combining these techniques, this site got the best of both worlds.

Two years after installation, this site is well on its way to becoming an established and mature restored shoreline. With a mix of spring blooms like Columbine, bright yellow summer forbs like Oxeye and black-eyed Susan, and lovely grasses like Canada wild rye swaying in the breeze, this site displays the amazing transformations that are possible through native plant restoration. With a walking path going right by the restoration, many people around North Oaks have followed in creating a beautiful restoration. If you are interested in a restoration like this for your own property, please contact us today!