23520 N. Old McHenry Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 US
Shop Our Plants
Greenhouses & Nursery
Natural Environments includes three vintage, retail greenhouses plus outdoor growing and display space, where we cultivate and offer a wide variety of organically grown native and pollinator plants, perennials, annuals, heirloom tomatoes and other vegetable seedling plants, succulents and houseplants. Most of our plants are grown on site from seed, with an emphasis on plants that perform well in our region.
We also grow and sell a wide variety of organically grown vegetables, available in season at the greenhouse and at our local farmers markets. Our surrounding land, with rich Lake County soils, supports organically grown vegetables and cut flowers. Large, ancient Black Walnut trees, part of the original Long Grove, and pollinator gardens add to the character of our location.
We focus on providing not only strong, healthy plants, but also a personalized, knowledgeable experience. Our team shares a passion for native plants, pollinator habitats and sustainable gardening, and takes the time to help you choose the right plants for your space. We invite you to stop by, browse our greenhouses and display areas, and select some new pollinator plants for your home.
Native & Pollinator Perennial Plants
Our passion is native and pollinator perennial plants. Most of what we grow begins right here from seed. The process starts in the fall, gathering seed from our own property and carefully selecting Midwest-grown seed from like-minded growers that specialize in pollinator plants.
We stratify and grow our plants in our greenhouses, producing more than 100 varieties of native and pollinator perennials, all chosen for how well they perform in Illinois and Wisconsin. We also offer a wider range of native plants, but always with a focus on what will truly grow and thrive in this region.
These are plants that come back year after year, supporting everything from monarchs and other butterfly species to a wide range of beneficial native insects. You’ll find varieties here that aren’t typically available at larger garden centers, because we grow them ourselves, with a focus on quality, selection and long-term performance.
HEIRLOOM TOMATO Plants
We specialize in heirloom tomatoes, growing favorite varieties as well as some that are not commonly found elsewhere. Choose from organically grown plants in yellow, orange, red, purple and green varieties, producing tomatoes in sizes ranging from cherry to extra large.
Heirloom tomatoes are tasty, colorful additions to salads and summer dishes, as well as incorporated into sauces, baked or roasted, grilled, enjoyed on sandwiches, and eaten by the handful straight from the garden. Of course, there's no such thing as too many tomatoes -- you can always freeze them to enjoy in the winter months.
HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE & HERB PLants
Shop our greenhouses for a large selection of organically grown vegetable seedlings and herbs, from familiar favorites to a wide range of varieties you may not expect. You’ll find sweet peppers beyond the standard varieties, along with a few with a little more kick, greens like kale, collards and Swiss chard, plus cabbages, cucumbers, squash, kohlrabi and more.
We also grow a variety of herbs for both cooking and tea, including basil, Thai basil, tulsi basil, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary and thyme.
Our rganically grown vegetable seedlings are typically available beginning in mid-May.
ANNUAL Plants
Add fresh color and energy to your garden, containers and planting beds with organically grown annuals. Annual flowering plants are a wonderful way to brighten up a space, fill in while young perennials and native plants get established, or add seasonal interest exactly where you want it. They also make great cut flower arrangements!
Our plant selection changes through the season, but typical favorites include marigolds, petunias, geraniums, cleome, bachelor buttons, snapdragons, balsam impatiens, zinnias and cosmos, along with other colorful choices for beds, pots and cutting gardens. Many are just as lovely tucked into a vegetable garden as they are in borders and containers.