Rooted in Nature: Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

Stepping into the Native Plant Nursery at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, visitors are immediately immersed in a landscape rich with colors, scents, and a vast ecosystem. Beyond the beauty of the grounds, there is a welcoming sense of community as the nursery is filled with nature enthusiasts, volunteers, gardeners, and customers who share a commitment to helping the environment flourish. This nursery is more than a place to purchase plants; it’s an experience where education and inspiration take root.

A Local Treasure

The preserve is nestled in Solebury Township, which is blooming with excitement over the fact that this premier nature destination recently received a highly acclaimed national honor. The Native Plant Nursery was named one of the Top 10 Best Plant Nurseries in the country by USA Today. This beautiful location was nominated by a panel of industry experts and voted on by the public.

Peter Couchman, executive director of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, has led the organization since 2020. He says the mission is to increase the knowledge and use of native plants by serving as an educational resource as well as a destination that inspires conservation action. “We were so delighted and thrilled about the recognition,” he says. “It’s an incredible honor and validation that our mission in action is truly serving our community.”

Glenn White, a member of the preserve for two decades, has been overseeing operations of this award-winning location as its manager for the past five years. The USA Today mention had an especially deep meaning to White because he fell in love with Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve long before he worked here. “I was grateful personally because we’re the only organization on the USA Today list that is dedicated solely to native plants,” he says. “I think it speaks to the strengths of the native plant movement, and it means our mission resonates with people.”

Striving and Thriving

The Native Plant Nursery is just one aspect of the preserve’s impressive 134 acres. Visitors can see firsthand more than 750 species of native plants, explore nature trails, attend community events, and participate in educational programs. The preserve was founded in 1934 when Mary Parry, then president of the Federation of Gardens, and William Heinitsh, a consultant for the Department of Forests and Waters, met at the site and recognized the land’s importance for native plants to thrive. They petitioned the state to make these acres formally part of Washington Crossing Historic Park to be conserved as a preserve for Pennsylvania’s native plants.

Over the decades, the preserve has steadily evolved—adding a greenhouse and propagation house in the 1960s, becoming a nonprofit in the 1970s, earning accredited museum status in the 1980s, and continuing to grow today with more than 2,000 member households.

Couchman attributes the continued growth to the group’s conservation efforts and visitor experiences. “When you come to the preserve, you’ll notice we look different than other green spaces,” he says. “We have a deer fence that surrounds 100 of our 134 acres and protects our native plants from the deer population in this region. When spaces are not protected, it’s rather bare for the first 5 feet, but here you’ll see green from the ground level up. It’s like walking into our version of a tropical rainforest.”

Since visitors can see native species in their natural element, it helps translate into how they can support sustainable practices at home. “Native plants serve as the foundation for our ecosystem and are essential to all life regardless of where you live,” White says. “Often the definition of ‘native’ is native to the United States, but here we take a very local approach by focusing on plants from Pennsylvania and within 100 miles of the preserve. There’s a web of life that can’t be sustained without having some percentage of native plants in our garden and public spaces.”

Growing Connections

This incredible nursery offers more than 200 different native straight species (the plants have evolved in nature without human intervention or special breeding), which are available for purchase from April through November. Following the national distinction by USA Today, demand surged and opening sales generated 25% of the annual goal in just four days. Couchman and White say in addition to the high-quality plants they sell, another reason they think they have received this honor is because of the depth of knowledge the staff and volunteers share with their patrons.

“No matter the level of expertise, size of yard, or if it’s just a balcony or patio, our volunteer native garden guides will help every visitor select the best plants for their conditions, and explain the benefits of the plants they are purchasing and their connection to the ecosystem,” Couchman says.

The preserve is supported by over 350 active and passionate volunteers. Many contribute through their naturalist program, providing guided nature walks, working in the marketplace with customers, and propagating plants directly from the collection to sell to the public.

Jean Barrell has volunteered since the 1990s. She used to lead nature walks and now works exclusively in the nursery. “I love working with people and getting plants out into the world,” she says. “I grow a lot of these species at home, so I’m able to share my knowledge with the customers. Most of the people who shop here understand the importance of native plants. I’ve noticed that over the past few years, a lot of young people want to plant them. People talk about what they can do in the world to have purpose, and what I can do is try to help save the ecosystem, and this is how I do it.”

Planting for the Future

The preserve’s Bucks County location is another standout feature that draws more than 3,000 visitors a year. This steady flow of tourists helps to support the local economy by benefiting local restaurants, shops, and lodging in Solebury Township, New Hope, and Upper Makefield Township.

“We are here doing what we do because of the beautiful landscape and the support we receive through Solebury Township, New Hope, and Upper Makefield Township,” Couchman says. “These communities support us deeply, and we return the favor through our mission.”

Among the nursery’s most popular plants are cardinal flowers, bluebells, and blueberry bushes. With Father’s Day around the corner, White suggests buying asters, goldenrods, or sweetbay magnolia. However, any of the native species sold at the preserve is a great gift not only for people, but for the environment.

Looking ahead, the nursery is expanding its propagation efforts by building a series of raised beds dedicated to plants that have been difficult to source locally like trillium and bloodroot. The nursery’s offerings are always evolving and creating a lasting impact for future generations.

“The nursery is the preserve’s mission in action,” White says. “It’s really rewarding to know we’re putting all these wonderful native plants into our local ecosystem. It’s why we do this. This is a magical place to experience.”

Dari Kotzker resides in Bucks County with her husband and four kids. She has worked as a reporter in television news and print media since 2001.

Photograph by Jennifer Janikic Photography