A profusion of colors awaits visitors to the Missouri Wildflowers Nursery that creates the illusion of walking through a natural prairie.
The owner and creator of the landscaping has a philosophy. He believes that by reproducing and preserving native wildflower species, he is doing his part to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy them.
“It’s a way to help native species continue their journey through time,” Mervin Wallace said. “My hope is that each species live long and prosper.”
For more than two decades, Wallace has collected and propagated wildflowers and other species for the nursery. His passion and dedication to preserving native species is obvious to those who take time to wander through the nursery.
What makes Missouri Wildflowers Nursery different from many other nurseries is the emphasis on maintaining native species. The nursery is open to the public and although Wallace is in the business of selling, it’s obvious his greatest pleasure comes from sharing his knowledge and beautiful garden.
Wallace and his staff welcome everyone to stop by and stay awhile to enjoy the scenery.
“We have native Missouri perennials, both seeds and plants,” he said. “Our plants are nursery propagated. Missouri is the genetic origin, so they are best adapted to states east of the Rockies. All of our plants are genetically linked to Missouri.
“These plants were here when the first settlers arrived. We spend a lot of time looking for seed sources, seldom do we dig a plant for a start. We want to preserve and protect the native plants.”
It is a working nursery that offers plants and seeds for purchase. Those without a green thumb will find it worth the trip just to enjoy the landscaping. Landscaping with natives is as green as it gets!
Wallace said there are a lot of people who stop in just to take a look and they are more than welcome to come.
“Right now the beds are just about perfect,” he said. “For the 24 years that I have operated Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, customers have asked, ‘What made you get into this business?’ I have given several answers in the past, none of which included getting rich.”
While the answers were usually related to the environment, something was missing. They didn’t seem to get at the real “meaning of life.” Now, he says he’s finally close to the right answer, and it is worth sharing.
He does a lot of wild harvesting of seeds from native prairies and glades — a modern hunter gatherer! Wild harvesting is a relaxing activity, just as any activity that gets folks outside in a natural environment. It is also educational and thought-provoking, according to Wallace.
“For example, while on a glade near Branson this year, I began to wonder how long the big rocks lying on the ground had been in their positions,” he said. “That is an important question when you realize that, up to this point in time, no human has ever moved them. Heavy equipment will surely move them in the very near future, as the nearest fast food restaurant is only a few hundred yards away. The real significance of this thought is that when the rocks go, so will the native plant communities we have left unturned.”
So why have a wildflower nursery?
Every species of native plant and animal, no matter where in the world, is here today because they have survived a very long genetic trip through geologic time, Wallace answered. Since its beginning, a viable reproducing population of each species has always been alive to pass on the genetic material that makes it distinct from other species.
“Now that the human species has gotten the upper hand on planet Earth, we have the ability to determine which of the remaining species will continue the journey through time with us,” Wallace said. “Every day we make land use and management decisions that exclude native species from the land. We often make these decisions without the knowledge and awareness that we can easily live with most native species. They need our help.”
Missouri Wildflower Nursery is supplying native plants that are as “wild” as can be produced.
Nursery staff is on hand to assist gardeners with purchasing the right kind of plant for their garden.
“For convenience and for beginners, we’ve selected groupings of plants based on plant community or habitat,” he said. “Beginners will find a handy description with each group. All you need to do is select a grouping to fit your site. Any of the plant community groups will attract birds and butterflies.”
The plants are grown in potting soil that doesn’t contain peat moss. Plants grown in mixes containing peat moss try to stay in the peat when planted in naturalized plantings and some flower beds.
“We feel our plants grow and survive better in their new homes because of the potting soil we use,” he said. “Where wildlife is involved, our plants are better adapted for their needs because native animals have done the genetic selection of the plants they depend on.”
The nursery offers more than 210 species of wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and vines. Light preference, flowering period, flower color, plant spacing, plant depth, moisture and complete pricing information is included with purchases.
The nursery is located 10 miles south of Jefferson City at the junction of Highway 54 and Route E at Brazito. It is not visible from Highway 54, but the entrance is just north of Bryan’s Mobile Home Transporting.
The nursery is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. It is closed on federal holidays.