At Tallahassee Nurseries, we’re excited to officially announce that our 2026 Baby Natives Program is ready. These little plants benefit our guests, Florida wildlife, and the landscapes we all care for in a way that’s approachable, affordable, and incredibly effective.
What Is the Baby Natives Program?
The Baby Natives Program focuses on young native trees and shrubs, along with select native vines and perennials. We’re offering over 40 species of native trees and shrubs in 2026! Many of these plants arrive to us bare-root—meaning they come without soil, just healthy roots and stems. Bare-root plants are an excellent value and establish well, but they’re often difficult to handle and can dry out easily. To solve that, we pot these bare-root babies in 1-gallon containers with our premium Tallahassee Nurseries Mix, making them easier to transport, easier to care for, and far more forgiving if you’re not planting right away.
How and When to Plant Baby Natives?
If you plant your Baby Native during winter or early spring, much of the potting soil may fall away when you remove it from the container—and that’s perfectly fine. At that point, you’re essentially planting a bare-root tree or shrub. Set it into the hole, backfill with your native soil, and use watering—not heavy packing—to settle the soil around the roots. Any leftover potting mix can be reused elsewhere or spread as mulch. If you wait until later in spring or early summer, the roots will likely fill out the pot. In that case, it will plant just like any other containerized plant, with an intact root ball. One critical planting note: always locate the root flare—the point where the trunk meets the first roots—and make sure it sits right at the soil surface. Trees and shrubs planted too deeply often struggle, decline, or fail altogether. Take the time to check, remove excess soil if needed, and plant at the correct depth.
Why Baby Natives Matter
The benefits of the Baby Natives Program stack up quickly.
Exceptional value.These plants are extremely affordable and make it possible to plant more—whether you’re filling a large area, starting a new landscape, or making a big environmental impact on a reasonable budget.
Designed for Florida landscapes.Native plants are adapted to our climate. When planted in the right place and given proper care during establishment, many Baby Natives become low-input, self-sufficient Grownup Natives that tolerate heat, drought, and challenging soils. They still need watering and care during their first year or two, but long-term they require far fewer resources.
Real benefits for Florida wildlife.Florida wildlife depends on native plants. Over thousands of years, plants and animals have come to rely on each other for survival. Native plants provide the right food, at the right time, in the right form—leaves for insects, flowers for pollinators, and fruits, nuts, and seeds that fuel the entire food web. While non-native plants may offer some benefits, they rarely provide the same depth or timing of support. Native plants don’t just decorate the landscape—they power it. Beautiful and highly ornamental.
These are not just “good for nature” plants—they’re beautiful, functional landscape plants. From flowers and fall color to shade, screening, and structure, Baby Natives can meet nearly every traditional landscape need.
Who Is the Baby Natives Program For?
This program serves a wide range of gardeners and land stewards
- Homeowners looking for shade, beauty, privacy, and curb appeal.
- Environmental and Florida-native gardeners creating habitat in urban and suburban spaces.
- Wildlife land managers establishing food and wildlife plots that support deer, turkeys, and other Florida wildlife year-round.
- Bonsai enthusiasts who want early access to young plants with flexible root systems.
- Anyone who wants to plant more, do more, and make a lasting impact.
Plants That Make a Difference
Baby Natives are plants that make a difference—for your landscape, for Florida wildlife, and for the future of our environment. They help cool our homes and neighborhoods, reduce erosion, improve water infiltration, filter pollutants, and bring life back to backyards, woodlands, and open spaces. Best of all, getting started is easy. You don’t have to wait, and you don’t have to do everything at once. A few small plants, planted thoughtfully, can grow into something powerful. Now is the time to plant.
Join us in supporting Florida wildlife and building healthier, more resilient landscapes—one Baby Native at a time.