Native Plants • Cottage Garden

Darcie Kent — Cottage Garden Native Plants for Apartment Living

Celebrating sustainable, low-maintenance gardens in urban spaces. Grow native plants that thrive in pots, balconies, and small courtyards—creating community spaces that bloom together.

About Darcie Kent

A cottage garden philosophy adapted for apartment living. I curate and share native plant selections that suit containers, railings, balconies, and small patios. The goal is to build a community of gardeners who support biodiversity, urban green spaces, and neighborly exchange.

Philosophy

Native-first design

Prioritize plants that support local wildlife and require less water and care in urban microclimates.

Access

Apartment-friendly

Compact, modular plantings that adapt to balconies, terraces, and windowsills.

Community

Share & Learn

Neighborhood exchanges, plant swaps, and collaborative gardening workshops.

Native Plants for Small Spaces

Curated selections that fit containers and compact spaces while supporting pollinators.

Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Bright red stems in winter, white flowers in spring. Great for container shrub borders.

Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)

Delicate fall color with airy blooms to attract butterflies and moths.

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Gracious vertical texture for sunny containers with autumn copper tones.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Bolsters pollinators; thrives in pots with well-draining soil.

Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica)

Early spring color; appreciates partial shade and rich soil in containers.

Eastern Bluebird Verbena (Verbena hastata)

Long-blooming native with subtle fragrance and bee-friendly nectar.

Community & Shared Spaces

Build relationships through plant swaps, balcony garden tours, and collaborative design sessions in local courtyards and rooftops.

Monthly Plant Swap
Neighbors trade cuttings and seeds in a friendly, accessible format.
Neighborhood Tree & Shrub Walk
Guided walks to observe native species along urban corridors.
Container Design Clinics
Small-group sessions on soil, drainage, and seasonal color.

Upcoming Events

Engage locally with guided plantings, swaps, and mini-workshops designed for apartment gardens.

Container Care Basics

Seasonal watering, soil mixes, and drainage tips for balcony gardens.

Pollinator Pathway Walk

Explore native plant corridors and how to support bees and butterflies in compact spaces.

Soil to Sip Workshop

Making the most of soil in pots with compost and mulch strategies.

Get Involved

Join the community, contribute ideas, or request a tailored native plant plan for your space.

Volunteer

Assist with swaps, workshops, and maintenance of shared green spaces.

Request a Plan

Tell us about your space and goals, and receive a native plant proposal sized for containers.