At Spence Restoration Nursery, we continue to expand our availability of native plants and seeds to better meet our customers’ needs. Our plants are well known for their exceptional performance in the field. They are grown in 2 3/8” square by 3 ¾” deep open bottomed pots, ensuring a large, vigorous root system. We continue to maintain an inventory of over one half million plants available for prompt shipment.
In 1998 we purchased our first tract of land for seed production. Today we have nearly 180 acres in native seed production of over 100 species of native grasses, sedges, rushes, and wildflowers. Our seed productions properties include wetlands, wooded areas, as well as, clay, loam and sandy soils, ensuring our ability to produces species for a variety of habitats. Our seed nursery has been established from seed collected from prairie, wetland, and woodland remnants across northern and central Indiana. Many of our foundation collections for our prairie species were made in northwest Indiana, making these seeds highly appropriate for restoration in the Chicagoland region. We maintain detailed records of the origins of all of our seeds and will be happy to share them with our customers.
We pioneered the production of Source Identified Local Genotype seed in the state of Indiana. We worked with the Indiana Crop Improvement Association, the official seed regulatory agency in Indiana, to bring the first Yellow Tag Certified, Source Identified Local Genotype seed to market. These tags assure that our seed is produced from stock originating from Indiana remnant native plant communities.
Our seed production has greatly increased over the past several years, giving us the capability to supply large projects several hundred acres or more in size. Our increasing production and efficiency allows us to supply seed at prices competitive with out of state producers. Please provide us an opportunity to quote seed for conservation plantings or other large projects.
We work with our clients including to ensure that projects we supply are installed and maintained to maximize success. Our 10 years of experience allows us to advise our clients on key issues such as site preparation, installation methods and timing, and proper post-planting maintenance.
We have the experience and knowledge to custom design a seed mix for your site based on geology, soil, and desired plant community. We often work with park departments and land trusts to develop a seed mix to replicate presettlement plant communities based on local remnants and botanical records.
Please inquire if we can help you with such a product. We appreciate the opportunity to help you utilize our products to enhance the quality of life in your community.
