Resource Library

Plants and soil are the beginning of food webs in our yards and natural areas – they are the source of nutrition for animals, from pollinators and other invertebrates to birds and diverse wildlife, in all their life stages. Choosing the right plants will help your home landscape thrive.

Important!

• Find your property lines and work only within them.
• Consider getting a soil test in places where plants are growing well.
• Have utility lines marked before you dig, even for small plantings.

Map your project area:

• Resilient Minnetonka's orientation module includes a simple activity to map your yard and identify initial goals for more diverse and resilient landscaping.
• Hennepin County natural resources interactive map - Click the wrench icon, then Tools to draw an outline of your plot, measure its area, and more.

Choose plants for your design:

“Right plant, right place” is a popular gardening tip – and for good reason! Each species is adapted for particular growing conditions of light, soil type, moisture and space. Instead of choosing plants and then finding a space for them, start with the space and pick plants most likely to thrive there.

• Blue Thumb plant finder
• MN DNR native plant encyclopedia
• Staff can share plant lists, design templates and other resources after you apply to Resilient Minnetonka.

Purchase plants:

• Minnetonka's online native plant and seed sale is open annually Apr.-Sept.
  • This is a good option if you are planning a small project. Minnetonka households are eligible for a discount coupon (one per household, while funding lasts).
  • Do you anticipate doing one or more projects that involve more than a small planting? Before you purchase anything, explore the Resilient Minnetonka orientation module to see how this program might help you with layers of technical assistance and funding options.
• If you purchase from another vendor or nursery, be sure to ask if their seeds and plants are produced without pesticides and other chemicals that may be harmful to pollinators.

Hire a contractor

• Wild Ones has a list of nurseries and landscaping contractors - email city staff at cpetersen@minnetonkamn.gov to request a copy.