One way that Behnkes encourages customers to include more native plants in their gardens is by recommending our favorites.  So click on the links below to find out WHY we love these perennials that are native to our region.

• New York and New England Asters are why Natalie Brewer loves autumn.  And here's more about the Aster family.

• Coreopsis verticillata is great for the front of the border. 
  

• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) is one of the most popular plants in our region, native or otherwise.

• Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium) is a terrific late-bloomer loved by butterflies.
  
  
• Ferns as a plant group offer a great selection of choices that are native to our region.
  
  
• Alex Dencker recommended Goldenrods (Solidago) to readers of the Metro Lawn and Garden Blog in a guest post.
  
  
• Heucheras are enjoying widespread popularity these days - finally.  See lots more of them here.
  
  
• Little Bluestem is gee-orgeous!
  
  
• Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) with its bright red blooms, is a favorite of hummingbirds, too.
  
  
• Milkweed is a favorite of Natalie Brewer, and not just because it attracts butterflies.  She wrote about them here, too.
  
  
• Check out 'Northwind', 'Heavy Petal' and 'Dallas Blue' varieties of Panicum virgatum, a/k/a Switchgrass.
  
  
• Garden Phlox has been a garden favorite for generations.
  
  
• Purple Love Grass is just now becoming recognized for its great garden qualities.

• Discover the subtle beauty of White Wood Aster.