As we continue our countdown to Wild Ones Western New York’s first-ever Native Plant Day on June 14, we’re shining a light on the amazing native plant nurseries participating in this region-wide event. Every few days, we’re featuring a new Q&A to help you connect with the nurseries supporting native gardening across Western New York.
Today we’re featuring Masterson’s Garden Center in East Aurora, where community, pollinators, and education come together. We spoke with Erin Masterson Holko, who shared how their welcoming, accessible approach to native gardening is helping more people take that first step toward creating a backyard habitat.
What inspired you to focus on native plants?
We’re committed to doing what we can to take care of our environment. We want to make gardening with natives accessible to everyone. We noticed lots of customers saying that they wanted to use more natives but felt overwhelmed and just didn’t know where to start. We take a very non-judgmental, “you got this” approach to native gardening, encouraging gardeners to simply start by choosing a native plant over a non-native next time they plant something.
What is your favorite native plant?
That depends on the season! As beekeepers and pollinator supporters, we love anything that helps feed these important creatures.
What makes your nursery unique?
Masterson’s has everything you need to create a backyard wildlife habitat—not just plants! We have beekeeping and water gardening experts on staff, and can help you combine all of the elements to create a backyard landscape that works with nature, not against it.
What is one small thing a homeowner can do to help their native ecosystem?
Learn about invasive plants and be on the lookout for them on their own properties. Identifying and removing truly invasive species is easiest when done early and often. Then, stop in to your local native plant store to find a beneficial native to put in its place.
Why shop at local native plant nurseries?
Because we are your friends and neighbors! We know what plants thrive in our local conditions and can help guide you in selecting great plants for your gardens. Also, we usually know where you can find the things we don’t have, because we all shop at the other local nurseries, too!
Why are you excited about Wild Ones Native Plant Day on June 14?
We really love what we do here at the garden center, and our staff is incredible. We are excited to welcome new people to see what we have going on out in East Aurora.
Make sure to visit Masterson’s Garden Center and all the participating nurseries on Native Plant Day, Saturday, June 14, and see firsthand how they’re helping gardeners connect with nature—one plant, one pond, one pollinator at a time. Stay tuned as we continue highlighting nurseries across the region leading up to the big day.