I started to become interested in native plants at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. People were advised to maintain social distancing and refrain from large gatherings. I found myself taking extended walks and began to take it upon myself to learn to identify the plants in my neighborhood as a means of self-care.

My parents have always fostered an appreciation for the many native plants that can be found in the Chicagoland area. Native plants are essential for the ecosystem. I began to take it upon myself to forage seeds from locations in which they were in abundance in order to spread them in other areas that may be limited in their diversity of native plant species.

After a while, I wanted to see if I could grow them as well in order to spread them at my parent’s property in Door County, Wisconsin. I started with trees, using Henry Kock’s “Growing Trees From Seed.” After some success, I expanded to learning how to do the same with flowers. I felt like a mad scientist of sorts, seeing what methods worked best for getting seeds to germinate and grow.

By chance, I was provided the opportunity to have a space in the alley by my apartment in Oak Park, Illinois, to place potted plants and seeds in a sunny location courtesy of some lovely neighbors who had been growing some vegetables at the side of their garage. I would spend countless hours monitoring the progress of my plants, separating them when they would become crowded, repotting them when they outgrew their pots, and watering them as needed. Eventually, it created an explosion of greenery and varied colored flowers attracting the attention of many people who drove through the alley.

I often was able to provide plants that I had in abundance for free; however, I felt I could make something of it should I ever have my own backyard.

As of February, 2024, I was afforded this opportunity when I purchased a home in Des Plaines, Illinois. My backyard is my canvas and provides me ample space to have potted plants prepped and ready for sale! I hope to spread the love of native plants and be able to pay for renovations for my home in the process ;-)

Much love,

Brian Gruba-McCallister