Additionally, some pollinators have adapted their mouthparts to fit particular flowers, so changing the flower's shape means they can no longer access whatever pollen and nectar may still be present. When growers tinker with plants to change the shape of flowers (think double blooms), this often lowers or completely negates pollen and nectar production. Humans also rely on these important insects since about 1/3 of the food we eat depends on pollination.

Most of the world's wildlife - and more than 250,000 wild flowering plants - need native pollinators to exist. Native pollinators - bees, flies, butterflies, bats, moths, beetles, birds and other animals - provide stability for every terrestrial ecosystem in the world, because wild plants depend on them to reproduce. Each of us can help, by creating habitat in our yards, and/or as part of a volunteer effort in parks and other spaces. Because urban sprawl and land development have fragmented natural habitats, scientists are sounding the alarm about the rapidly increasing rates of wildlife species extinctions. Leaves for Wildlife allows Patty and her staff and volunteers to take action as growers and educators to help people understand why planting natives is critical -for the health and wellbeing of humans and wildlife.Ĭonserving and restoring habitat is especially critical for native pollinators, local birds, and the more than 325 bird species that migrate through Ohio twice yearly along the Mississippi Flyway. She feels called to make a wider impact by interesting and educating people in helping to restore and preserve the bio-diverse ecosystems we all rely upon for good health. The nursery is her way of stepping back from the smaller picture of helping people one at a time, into a bigger picture of recognizing that many chronic illnesses are environmentally driven.

Patty firmly believes that human health and environmental health are intimately and intricately connected. Patty's integrative wellness practice, Leaves of Life, inspired her to find a way to contribute to improving the environment as a means of preventing and reversing human illness. Owner and founder, Patty Shipley, grew into Leaves for Wildlife through a lifelong love of nature and gardening as well as through her career as a natural healthcare provider. We reduce, reuse and recycle, and gratefully accept donated nursery pots/trays.Ĭheck out our resource page for landscape professionals, info, sample gardens and other resources that can help you turn your greenspace into a welcoming Caterpillar damage almost never harms the plants, and shows the plants are already going to work attracting and supporting wildlife! Our plants are pesticide-free, so some lucky plant shoppers will take home little stowaways, like the caterpillars pictured on this page. Ecosystem balance is critical for the health of humans and wildlife. Our nursery has a special focus on straight and near-native plants for restoration of the natural ecosystems in Ohio.

Host trees for zebra swallowtail