Wild Ones Prairie Edge Native Plant Tours
Throughout the growing season, we sponsor native plant landscape tours to inspire and educate our members. Unless otherwise indicated, they are free and open to the public. We are looking for gardens or demonstration sites that are 60% or more natives. If you are willing to have your yard on tour or know of someone that would be willing to share their project, please contact: [email protected]
2026 Garden Tours
Tour of Bex's Garden
Brooklyn Center
June 25th at 6:30 pm
Bex, a master naturalist, owns a home with a postage-stamp-sized suburban lot in a first-ring suburb. In 2023, the entire front yard was converted into a tallgrass prairie with support from Lawns to Legumes.
As part of a community-organized project, Bex installed a wildlife pond in 2024. It was built to function without a pump, using native wetland plants as the filter. The next year, Bex was awarded a grant by Save The Frogs!, an amphibian conservation organization, to build a dry stream for stormwater redirection to the pond, a wetland overflow from the pond, and to plant sedges around the pond. The wetland's excavated soil was mounded to create a future ground-nesting habitat. Currently, the mound is being prepped for a fall bunch grass planting. There is a bug hotel made of wooden pallets, filled with natural materials donated by multiple community members. Currently, the pocket forest has been seeded and is in its first season after a year of soil prep, while the other half is being smothered for fall seeding and to establish some native bushes. There are bat houses and tree swallow houses on the property to mitigate mosquito populations. This summer, the chimney tops will be taken off in hopes that chimney swifts will make a home in them. Moving forward, the backyard will continue to have the turf turned into native prairie that attracts hummingbirds. A stack of flat rocks near the pond creates a cool, wet habitat for amphibians and salamanders. So far, the only frog Bex has observed in the pond during its first season is a gray tree frog. They look forward to many more residents
As part of a community-organized project, Bex installed a wildlife pond in 2024. It was built to function without a pump, using native wetland plants as the filter. The next year, Bex was awarded a grant by Save The Frogs!, an amphibian conservation organization, to build a dry stream for stormwater redirection to the pond, a wetland overflow from the pond, and to plant sedges around the pond. The wetland's excavated soil was mounded to create a future ground-nesting habitat. Currently, the mound is being prepped for a fall bunch grass planting. There is a bug hotel made of wooden pallets, filled with natural materials donated by multiple community members. Currently, the pocket forest has been seeded and is in its first season after a year of soil prep, while the other half is being smothered for fall seeding and to establish some native bushes. There are bat houses and tree swallow houses on the property to mitigate mosquito populations. This summer, the chimney tops will be taken off in hopes that chimney swifts will make a home in them. Moving forward, the backyard will continue to have the turf turned into native prairie that attracts hummingbirds. A stack of flat rocks near the pond creates a cool, wet habitat for amphibians and salamanders. So far, the only frog Bex has observed in the pond during its first season is a gray tree frog. They look forward to many more residents
Eden Lake Gardens
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 4:00–8:00 PM
Come explore our thoughtfully designed native landscapes. Join us for a walking tour of Eden Lake Gardens, the home of Joe and Jane Zweber, who have spent 40 years putting down roots — literally — in this special place.
Working in collaboration with Designer Melissa Wilsford, owner of Rustic Hills Garden, Joe and Jane brought to life a vision: a garden inspired by the principles of Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes. With approximately 75% native species thoughtfully woven together with productive fruit and vegetable gardens, Eden Lake Gardens is a living example of what's possible when we design with nature — not against it.
This approach goes beyond simply planting natives. It's about creating layered, resilient plant communities that support local ecosystems while remaining beautiful and functional for the people who live among them.
Joe is a founding member of Wild Ones Prairie Edge and brings a genuine passion to every corner of this garden. You'll come away with real inspiration and practical ideas for your own yard, whether you're drawn to native plantings, edible gardening, or both.
June evenings in Eden Prairie are a perfect time to visit, when many natives are starting their summer bloom and buzzing with pollinators, birds, and butterflies — and the edible gardens are well on their way for the season.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and your curiosity!
This is a rare chance to walk the grounds with the people who made it — don't miss it!
Working in collaboration with Designer Melissa Wilsford, owner of Rustic Hills Garden, Joe and Jane brought to life a vision: a garden inspired by the principles of Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes. With approximately 75% native species thoughtfully woven together with productive fruit and vegetable gardens, Eden Lake Gardens is a living example of what's possible when we design with nature — not against it.
This approach goes beyond simply planting natives. It's about creating layered, resilient plant communities that support local ecosystems while remaining beautiful and functional for the people who live among them.
Joe is a founding member of Wild Ones Prairie Edge and brings a genuine passion to every corner of this garden. You'll come away with real inspiration and practical ideas for your own yard, whether you're drawn to native plantings, edible gardening, or both.
June evenings in Eden Prairie are a perfect time to visit, when many natives are starting their summer bloom and buzzing with pollinators, birds, and butterflies — and the edible gardens are well on their way for the season.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and your curiosity!
This is a rare chance to walk the grounds with the people who made it — don't miss it!
