Mentoring ProgramNatural Garden in Your Yard logo

The “Natural Garden in Your Yard” (NGYY) program was established in early 2005 by the Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee.  Our goal is to assist and encourage homeowners to transform traditional lawn and gardens to native plant gardens. With our help, homeowners interested in getting started with native plants, but perhaps lacking knowledge or confidence, gain the needed assistance through our program.

As a Natural Garden participant, you’ll be paired with a mentor and given one-on-one assistance in the planning of a small native garden area.  The garden becomes a living classroom where you gain firsthand knowledge of native wildflowers as well as discover the wonders of nature in your yard. Your garden could be a rain garden, shade garden, pollinator garden, native plant border, stopover habitat for migrating birds, or even formal plantings using natives. Even small backyards can contribute valuable native habitat. The program provides: 

  • Mentors – The mentor is an experienced native plant gardener.  Mentors will help answer your questions, do site evaluations, and help advise on developing a garden plan and plant selection.  Learn more about our mentors here.
  • Reference Materials – We provide a book on native plant gardening, pamphlets, and a list of resources.
  • Gardening Network – Explore opportunities to network with fellow kindred spirits through yard walks and informal evening educational programs.
  • Plant Discount – Participants are given a discount on plants purchased at the WPPC’s native plant sale held in the spring.

If you’re attracted to the idea of gardening with native plants and would like to participate in this program, download an Application here. 

If you’ve been accepted into the program and would like to pay the program fee, you may now do it online.  Pay Now   

If you’re a member of this year’s mentoring class or a WPPC voting member, you may also submit your plant pre-order online.

Questions are welcomed!

  • Garden Walk at Perle's

Read what some of our recent Mentees have to say about the program

  • Carol Sevrey:  “My 7th grade Biology classes at Hannah Beardsley Middle School in Crystal Lake have been WPPC garden grant recipients for the past seven years.  Year after year it has been a great learning experience for all…” (read more)
  • Ron Grochowski:“My mentor gave me some easy to follow guidelines and some basic planting tips and assured me I was quite capable of having a successful native plant garden, even though I didn’t have a green thumb yet…” (read more)
  • Shelley Gray: “My mentor really helped me plan out a garden for my shady hillside.  I had no idea so many flowers would grow and bloom in the shade. It has been a joy ever since…” (read more)