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Author Profiles

Kelly LaVaute

Kelly LaVaute

Content Creator

Kelly is a content creator and vivid storyteller at Garden for Wildlife. Forget butterfly bushes and begonias! Kelly's not your average garden writer. She's a nature detective, unearthing the secrets of native plants and their superpowers for wildlife (and your garden!). Think dazzling blooms that attract feathered friends, buzzing pollinators, and even sneaky reptiles – all while fighting climate change one blossom at a time.

Posts by Kelly LaVaute

A monarch butterfly rests on a goldenrod native plant
Native Plants: Everything You Need to Know

Gardening isn't just about creating a beautiful outdoor space; it's an opportunity to connect with nature and make a positive impact on the environment. If you're a beginner looking to start a garden

garden for wildlife team member group photo, 2023
Garden for Wildlife Year in Review (2023)

We’re taking a moment to reflect on 2023: our third year of empowering our community with native plants from our independent, regional growers. We can’t wait to build on that impact with you and conti

The Science of Our Native Plants: Beyond Beauty

Native plants, those that evolved alongside the local ecosystem, hold a secret weapon – perfect adaptation. Science reveals a fascinating interplay between these plants and their environment, leading

bumble bee on purple aster native plants
Keystone Native Plants for Pollinator Paradise

Imagine your garden as a bustling metropolis, teeming with life. Butterflies flit between vibrant flowers, bees buzz industriously, and birds chirp merrily as they flit from branch to branch. This vib

two plants being planted in containers graphic
How to Plant Your Native Plants

Congrats on your decision to plant with a purpose! When you garden with native plants, you’ll help wildlife and the planet, while also enjoying the beauty of nature just outside your home.

Jacob's Ladder native plant
Early Spring Native Plants To Power Up Pollinators

Spring paints the world anew, with vibrant blooms pushing through the thawing earth. But these early blossoms aren't just a feast for the eyes; they're a vital lifeline for the first wave of pollinato

Homegrown National Park Biodiversity Map™
Mapping Biodiversity with Homegrown National Park

In the world of conservation, Garden for Wildlife collaborator Dr. Doug Tallamy stands as a beacon of hope, advocating for biodiversity preservation through innovative approaches. His pioneering work

A pollinator garden with butterflies featured a Certified Wildlife Habitat sign from National Wildlife Federation
Garden for Wildlife Month 2024

Whether you have a sprawling backyard habitat or a tiny balcony container garden, you hold the power to create a critical haven for wildlife. 

pink swamp milkweed with monarch butterfly
Everything To Know About Swamp Milkweed

Swamp. Milkweed. Not the most enticing name, huh? We know. While Shrek might enjoy planting some swamp milkweed in his domain, this pink powerhouse native plant is far from an obnoxious weed.

purple coneflower native plant
Top Native Plant Picks for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to honor the special women in our lives than with the gift of nature's beauty? This year, skip the traditional bouquet of flowers and opt fo

rain barrel water conservation for sustainable gardening
Ultimate Sustainable Gardening Guide

In recent years, the concept of sustainability has gained significant traction, permeating various aspects of our lives, including how we approach gardening. But what exactly does sustainable gardenin

yellow goldenrod plant with monarch butterflies
Why You Should Plant Goldenrod

Goldenrod, often misunderstood as a culprit for seasonal allergies, is actually a powerhouse when it comes to supporting biodiversity and wildlife in your garden. This native plant, often unjustly mal