We were lucky to catch up with Mitchell Swindell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mitchell, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I was born and raised in Metro Detroit. In 2014, I moved into my current home located on a wooded, one-acre lot that was mostly lawn. As a first-time property owner, I felt an obligation to share my land with local wildlife and help restore the forest. However, my inexperience and naiveté only led to long grass and unhappy neighbors. A year after moving in, a noxious weed notice plastered on my front door took me to city hall to learn about something I had never heard of before– native plants.

A light bulb went off. I started listening to native plant podcasts and reading whatever material I could get my hands on. I began propagating my own plants, learned how to identify invasive species, joined my local Michigan Botanical Society chapter, and even certified my property with various organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation, Monarch Watch, and Saving Birds thru Habitat.

Soon after installing my first native plant garden, I started to see wildlife that I never saw growing up as a kid. To this day, I continue to be amazed at the incredible diversity of wildlife that native plants attract. Stepping out onto my back porch has become a daily adventure.

Native plants have been some of my best teachers. They’ve taught me about biology, ecology, geology, entomology, hydrology, and mycology. They’ve taught me about indigenous peoples’ cultures. They’ve taught me virtues such as patience and perseverance. They’ve taught me about the animals that depend on them and the living soil that they depend upon. They remind me every day that everything is connected.

For me, gardening with native plants is more than just gardening– it’s about creating habitat and restoring balance. I find it extraordinarily healing, grounding, enlightening and empowering. The nursery allows me share some of that experience with my community.

Mitchell, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started my backyard nursery operation back in 2017 with some dirt and Solo cups. It has grown slowly and organically over the years. There have been a few bumps along the way, but any gardener will tell you that trial and error is a part of the process.

We specialize in growing plants native to Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Our plants are organic, wild, and grown from seed, most of which are locally harvested. We have a variety of edible, deer-resistant, and bird feeder plants available for sale online or in person by appointment only. Gift cards are also available.

Why should you choose native plants? Native plants support life and are the foundation of ecosystems. They provide essential ecosystem services such as clean air, water, food, habitat, and fertile soil. They also save time and money with less maintenance, fertilizers, and pesticides. Visit our website to learn more.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met my Assistant to the Nursery Manager, Mako, back in 2014. He was just a young pup back then, but has gradually accepted more and more nursery responsibilities as he’s grown older. For example, he helps keep the deer away and digs the occasional hole for planting. He loves the wildlife that native plants bring to our yard, especially butterflies. He doesn’t like bumblebees as much, though…

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

“The Native Plant Podcast” is what got me hooked on native plants. I love listening to the host, John, and his guests talk about native plants and ecology. Another great resource is a book called “Bringing Nature Home” by entomologist Doug Tallamy and is something every homeowner should read. In addition, the hikes and presentations led by members of the southeastern chapter of the Michigan Botanical Society introduced me to some of our local flora. Their expertise and love for native plants is always very educational and inspiring.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.detroitwildflowers.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detroitwildflowers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/detroitwildflowers