Owner/Proprietor: Bea Heissler
Address: 219 Maybee Road, Frankford, Ontario
Web Site: naturalthemes.com
Facebook Page: Natural Themes Native Plant Nursery
Instagram: @naturalthemesfarms
Email: bea@naturalthemes.com
Over the last few years, I have visited MANY native plant nurseries throughout southern Ontario, though most have been located west of Toronto with only a couple of them east of the city. One eastern Ontario native plant nursery I haven’t made it to yet, however, is Natural Themes Native Plant Nursery, located just north of the 401 highway near Prince Edward County.
Natural Themes is a family operation with Bea Heissler (mother) and Maya Navrot (daughter) operating the partnership. The business opened in 2006 and currently carries about 400 species of trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, ferns and vines. However, in response to customer demands (I’m told), that number of plants includes several non-native species. In fact, my cursory examination of the website shows close to 50 species on their list that are not actually native in southern Ontario. But that means, in theory at least, they have at least 350 native species. Be sure to know the scientific name of the plant you’re interested in so you can check the VASCAN website (https://data.canadensys.net/vascan/search) to make sure the plant you’re getting is actually native to Ontario.
Natural Themes Nursery sources their plants both locally and from a variety of sources, as both seeds and plants. They offer garden design, consultations and planting services. In addition, they collaborate with local municipalities, conservation organizations, community groups, horticulture clubs, and local conservation authorities to supply plants for restoration, reforestation, and garden projects. They also offer expertise and advice to community partners in conservation efforts.
Although they are primarily self-taught about native plants, Bea has a post-secondary education in biology with a focus on botany while Maya holds an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Biology.
If you want to check them out, they are open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1-5 or by request. You might also want to check out the blog post they have on their website at About Us – Natural Themes Native Plant Nursery.