About Native Plants in Claremont
Native Plants in Claremont is a nursery devoted to the increased awareness and restoration of Ontario's native plants and their habitats, growing a diversity of quality native plants and to providing an enhanced retail experience for customers. Native Plants in Claremont was opened in 2006. Proprietor Karen Abrahams and husband Rob Messervey operate the nursery with knowledgeable employees and share the love of Ontario's natural areas and native flora with native plant gardeners across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
Duffins Creek flows through the 15 acre nursery property, conveniently located in Ontario's Greenbelt land in picturesque Claremont (north Pickering).
At Native Plants in Claremont we acknowledge that the land where the nursery is located is within the Treaty and Traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Williams Treaties signatories of the Mississauga and Chippewas Nations. We are reminded of the relationship with First Nations People and with the ancestral lands on which we work, live, learn and share.
We respectfully acknowledge the autonomy, beauty and complexity of native plants and the essential part they play in a healthy, sustainable environment.
We specialize in growing over 150 species of native sedges, grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and a few trees. Plants are primarily seed grown and we adhere to the North American Native Plants Society Guidelines for Commercial Native Plants Growers, and the Society of Ecological Restoration – Ontario Chapter Native Plant Grower Guidelines (last revised 2010). For example, for rarer plants we collect seed once and establish source plants at our nursery; for many species we establish seed beds at our nursery to harvest seed from and re-establish them occasionally to avoid selecting for nursery grown plants; we collect no more that 10% of seed from any population and select from a number of individuals. Seeds are collected mostly in Ontario Seed Zone 34 (GTA), and also in 35/36 (east of GTA) and some in 37 (west of GTA).
For some species which readily grow vegetatively (e.g., Mayapple, Wild Strawberry), as well as growing these from seed we will also sustainably harvest plants from our established nursery beds. We purchase and re-sell some plants from local and trusted nurseries.
We regularly monitor plant health and diagnose problems. Our IPM strategy focuses on preventative measures. When necessary we intervene to control pests and disease using organic and biodegradable products. We are gradually reducing our reliance on inorganic fertilizers by regularly watering new seedlings before transplant with compost extract. We are gradually reducing our reliance on peat based growing medium by mixing it with organic compost for our larger potted plants. We are gradually reducing our reliance on buying plastic pots and trays by encouraging our customers to return ours so we can wash them with concentrated vinegar, for re-use.
We are close to Toronto and minutes from many famous trails and attractions. Stop by the nursery and then explore the Trans Canada Trail, Duffin's Creek, Durham Regional Forest, Oak Ridges Moraine, Pickering Museum Village, Claremont Field Centre, historical downtown Uxbridge. We supply plants to conservation organizations, wholesale customers such as landscapers and nurseries and to the public for their home gardens. Visit us for plants for your home or community gardens, schools grounds, garden centres, restoration plantings and landscape customers.
New gardeners and native plant enthusiasts are welcome! See you in Claremont!
