Yellow House Natives

Yellow House Natives joins the festival again this year, selling native plants that please our pollinators and take care of our critters. We asked Owner Wendy Dorsey to tell us a little about what got her into the native plant business.

What inspired Yellow House Natives?
I was dividing flowers at our house one day when my husband came over to where I was digging. I remember I looked up at him and said, "I should be growing native perennials."  It had just popped into my head. I had always loved growing things and had lately read a lot of articles about the importance of native plants. My husband said, "You should." Then I thought, "Oh, shoot." (Except it wasn't "shoot.")  I recognized this as a moment when I could rise and take the challenge, or treat it like it was just a passing whim. It was scary to think about as I knew it was going to mean a lot of work.  

How does this business fit with your family's history of conservation?
My husband and I care deeply about nature and preserving open and undeveloped spaces. He is a third generation family farmer in Clarke County, and we have put our two farms into conservation easement. We taught our children to be comfortable and respectful in natural places by going into the woods and around wetlands to look for wildlife. Our son graduated college this past spring and decided to come home and help work the farm. Working with farm services and NRCS, we have established field borders of native flowers and warm season grasses for quail and other wildlife and allow cover growth along the creek and on rock breaks. Most recently, our son improved a wetland area to create a better habitat for waterfowl.  

​How long has Yellow House been in business?
I officially opened in 2021, but I refer to this as my soft opening. I didn't advertise much, and I didn't participate in any garden fairs or plant sales off the farm.  My learning curve was steep and I wanted to be a bit more confident. In 2022, I did more marketing and started participating in events. Last year, I added even more events to my schedule—including the A.T. Festival. 2024 will be my third full year in business, and my schedule is busy.  But don't let that stop you from coming to visit my nursery, as I love being able to show people my entire selection.

Do you have any specialties?
Not really, other than the fact that I love to learn about native plants and the ecosystem and continue to do so every day.  I'm happy to share what I know.

Any advice for people getting started with natives?
Yes!  Go for it!  Don't get overwhelmed thinking you have to begin with a huge project. Begin by adding one native plant. Every effort, no matter how small, makes a difference. 

What can people expect to find at your A.T. Festival sale?
I will be bringing native perennials, ferns and grasses.  This year I've expanded my tree and shrub offerings, so I'll have some of those as well.  

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