Shoreline Seed Mix

This shoreline native seed mix is designed for wet to moist soils along lake edges, streambanks, wet meadows, and rain gardens, where periodic flooding and fluctuating water levels occur. Anchored by Blue Joint Grass and Wool Grass, the mix provides strong root structure for erosion control while supporting a diverse community of flowering perennials that bloom from late spring through fall. Tall Meadow Rue and Turtlehead initiate early-season interest, followed by showy mid- to late-summer blooms from Common Milkweed, Spotted Joe-Pye, Blue Vervain, Boneset, and Cardinal Flower, with Flat-topped Aster, Purple-stemmed Aster, Grass-leaved Goldenrod, and Bottle Gentian extending colour into early autumn. Plants range in height from 2' - 6', creating layered structure and excellent habitat. This mix is especially valuable for wildlife, providing nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, larval host plants for monarchs, and dense cover for birds and amphibians. Well-suited to shorelines, wet meadows, swales, and rain gardens, it offers both ecological resilience and long-season visual impact. Site Preparation Choose full sun to part sun (minimum 6 hours for meadow species). Remove existing vegetation completely. Best methods are repeated shallow cultivation, solarization, or smothering. Create a firm, weed-free seedbed. Soil should be crumbly on the surface but firm underneath Avoid adding compost or fertilizer—native meadow species establish best in low-nutrient soils. Final weed flush: prepare the site early, allow weeds to germinate, then lightly rake before seeding.