Business Details
11 Years
experience
Native Plant Experts in Thornfield, MO
Ozark Soul was founded in 2015 by David and Jenny Middleton, whose combined expertise in formal horticulture and biology from Missouri State University drives our mission. With over 15 years of collective experience in traditional horticulture, including roles at the Missouri Botanical Garden and Meadowbrook Country Club, we recognized the ecological limitations of conventional landscaping and shifted toward promoting regional native plants. Our business specializes in producing and retailing over 250 species of native plants from the Ozarks region, with a focus on ecological sustainability and education.We operate as a traveling retailer, participating in plant sales across Missouri and Arkansas, and emphasize the importance of native plants in supporting biodiversity, stormwater management, and climate resilience. By growing plants from responsibly collected seeds, we ensure regional adaptability while offering customers tailored solutions for sustainable gardening.
Services
Native Plant Sales
Pre-Order Services
Plant Production
Ecological Consultations
Gardening Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We specialize in 250+ regional native plant species adapted to Ozarks climate and ecosystems.
- Our founders hold formal horticulture degrees and 15+ years of combined industry experience.
- We offer exclusive event-based sales and pre-order services across Missouri and Arkansas.
- All plants grown from responsibly collected native seeds ensure regional adaptability.
- We provide expert guidance on sustainable native plant gardening and ecosystem benefits.
Associations and certifications
- Missouri Prairie Foundation Grow Native! Program
Services
Native Plant Sales
We offer regional native plants through seasonal events in Missouri and Arkansas. Our inventory includes over 250 species grown from responsibly collected seeds. Plants are available at community plant sale events or via pre-orders. This service supports customers seeking ecologically beneficial landscaping solutions adapted to local climates.
Gardening Consultations
Our experts provide guidance on native plant selection and sustainable landscaping. Services include plant placement recommendations, ecosystem integration tips, and climate-resilient garden planning. Consultations help homeowners and landscapers maximize biodiversity while reducing maintenance costs through appropriate native species selection.
Plant Production
We grow native plants from regionally collected seeds using sustainable propagation methods. Our production includes cold stratification and eco-friendly growing practices. Plants undergo careful monitoring from germination to sale, ensuring regional adaptability and minimizing chemical inputs required for customer maintenance.
Pre-Order Services
Customers can reserve specific native plants ahead of major sale events. This ensures availability of popular species while streamlining customer pickup during events. Pre-orders accommodate special requests for landscaping projects requiring particular native species combinations for ecological or aesthetic purposes.
Ecological Education
We provide educational resources about native plant benefits and sustainable gardening practices. Services include workshops on ecosystem integration, pollinator habitat creation, and climate-resilient landscaping techniques. Our programs aim to transform sterile landscapes into vibrant, ecologically functional gardens through native plant education.
People
David Middleton
Co-Founder
Co-founder with formal horticulture training and extensive experience at Missouri Botanical Garden. Specializes in native plant propagation and ecosystem integration, focusing on climate-resilient landscaping solutions.
Jenny Middleton
Co-Founder
Co-founder with horticulture degree and 8-year experience as Lead Horticulturist at Meadowbrook Country Club. Specializes in native plant education and sustainable garden design principles.
Questions
What defines a native plant in the Ozarks?
Native plants naturally existed in the Ozarks region before European settlement. These species co-evolved with local ecosystems, supporting pollinators and wildlife through complex ecological relationships.
Why use native plants in landscaping?
Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides while supporting local biodiversity. Their deep root systems improve soil health, manage stormwater, and create habitats for pollinators and wildlife.
How do I purchase Ozark Soul plants?
We sell plants through seasonal community events where you can browse inventory or pick up pre-orders. Visit our website for upcoming event locations and dates across Missouri and Arkansas.
What gardening challenges do native plants solve?
Native plants address sustainability challenges by reducing maintenance costs, improving drought resilience, and creating self-sustaining ecosystems. They help combat invasive species spread and support declining pollinator populations.
Can I get gardening advice for native plants?
Yes, our experts provide plant selection guidance and sustainable landscaping recommendations. We help customers choose appropriate species for specific growing conditions while meeting ecological goals.
Reviews (2)
Marilyn Sue Piche
Feb 01, 2018
Report
David and Jennifer are very personable and helpful. I bought 10 milkweed plants from them in the early fall of 2017. I plan to go back and get more plants in the spring of 2018. It is nice to have a plant nursery in my local area.
Joan Bowen
Oct 13, 2017
Report
David is very knowledgeable about plants and landscaping and helps you pick the plants you need for your gardens and landscaping. Great asset to the gardening community.