Plant Directory
This thoughtful list is designed to make plant selection feel less overwhelming—and a lot more intuitive.
Welcome to the Native Plant Guide
Native plant and frankly any plant shopping can get confusing fast. This guide makes it easier.
Each plant in this guide is matched with simple icons so you can quickly see how it helps wildlife and where it fits in your yard. Instead of decoding long plant tags, you can scan for the benefits that matter most to you.'
Some plants do just one job. Others do several.
That’s where the magic is.
Use this guide as your shopping companion: pick a plant, match the benefits, and build your garden one good-enough choice at a time.
How to use this guide
Look for these 4 icons as you shop your local marketplace.
Pollinator Pit Stops
Plants that provide food for bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, flies, and more.
Caterpillar Cafes
Plants that support caterpillars and give butterflies and moths a place to lay eggs
Bird Buffets
Plants that provide seeds, berries, or shelter for birds, especially in fall and winter.
Stormwater Sponges
Plants that help soak up rain and runoff.
Why Mediocre Gardener?
I’m Edel, creator of The Mediocre Gardener, and I’m here to make gardening feel less intimidating.
You do not need a perfect yard, a master plan, or expert-level knowledge to make a real difference. You just need a place to start.
My own garden has been built through trial, error, and plenty of “well, that didn’t work.” But even an imperfect garden can become a pollinator pit stop, a caterpillar café, a bird buffet, or a stormwater sponge.
That’s the idea behind this guide: less overthinking, more planting.
Start small. Pick one plant from this guide. Then another. Over time, those choices add up to more
life in your yard and a lot more confidence in your gardening.
Where to Shop
We believe where you source your plants matters just as much as what you plant. That’s why we’re highlighting trusted garden centers and local partners who prioritize quality, knowledge, and community.
Our inaugural partner is Primex Garden Center—a longtime favorite just outside Philadelphia, known for its expansive selection and genuinely helpful team. Whether you’re starting from scratch or filling in the gaps, it’s a place worth visiting.