Unlike the Alley Garden program where grid representatives walk alleys searching for qualifying gardens, the Native Garden program is self-nominating. The following requirements must be met in order to be considered for an award:

• You must be a resident of the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood.
• The garden area must be weed-free and well-maintained.
• You must have a visible house number both on the street and the alley (unless there is no alley).
• The garden area must be accessible for verification purposes by Environment Committee volunteers.
• At least 50% of the garden area must be in native plants.
• If the garden is on a boulevard, all City Boulevard Garden Regulations must be followed.
• Native Gardens that meet all qualifications for Alley Gardens may earn both awards.

University of Minnesota Extension Service Native Plant List (PDF)
University of Minnesota Extension Service Common Questions About Native Flowers and Plants
Landscaping with Native Plants (Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources)
Gardening with Native Plants (The Twin Cities Green Guide)
Minnesota Native Plants (Landscape Alternatives, Inc.)
Minnesota Native Plant Society