Sylvania Natives

My gram passed away a few weeks ago.  She was one of the people in my life who made me love plants and their medicinal properties.  In fact she sent me a list of herbs in which one should grow in their garden for almost all ailments.  I came across the list recently and in the wake of her death I thought I should honor her in the best way possible..... through a medicinal garden.

The only sign denoting the existence of this gem.

I had started looking on line for places that offer unique herbs such as Arnica, Boneset, Black Cohosh, etc.  I found one place that I plan on using, however, a friend suggested I try Sylvania Natives.  Ironically, one of the ladies who works there, Jessica, happened to be at my work over the weekend.  We chatted like old friends and she told me she'd be working Monday.  I called up my mom and away we went to find this gem in the city.

Wild Strawberries 

Upon driving down Ira Way, we almost passed it up as it literally looks like someone's yard.  I quickly pulled in proud of the fact that I actually found it!  When I opened up my door, there were wild strawberries growing right outside of my door.  I wanted to pick some and eat them, but I resisted!

Tupelo Tree

We then entered in past the enchanting wooden etched sign into a raised bed garden haven.  I was especially taken by the first sign I read, which said "Tupelo" which also happens to be the name of my business.

View of the Gardens

I ended up with several native plants with the want to find room for more.  In the end, I didn't find many of the herbs I was looking to add to my medicinal garden.  Cathy, the owner, said she only grows what is literally local plants... meaning if it isn't found in Pittsburgh, she doesn't carry it. She said some of the "native" plants could have been local to a broader region than what she carries.  I was intrigued, though by all of the edible plants as she has a variety of bushes and trees that fruit.

Lots of native plants for sale!

I came home and immediately planted my findings.  Including two different kinds of local bergamot, a wild ginger, boneset (one of the items she did have that I wanted), black cohosh (which I also wanted), local columbines (one of my favorites) and several other plants.  I'll photograph and put them in another blog post.  I am still looking to do my medicinal herb garden but I'll have to save that for another time.