Where To Find Native Plants
The Upstate Native Nursery
Photo Credit: Cathy McCurdy
The Upstate Native Nursery (UNN) is an initiative of the Upstate chapter of SCNPS. The purpose of the UNN is to facilitate the overall SCNPS Mission by growing and distributing native plants that support our local ecosystems, but are often hard to find. We offer plants native to the Piedmont and Blue Ridge ecoregions of SC and neighboring states.
In the interest of promoting genetic diversity, we prioritize propagation with locally field-collected seed.
Roger Schllerstrom & Nia Thomas Volunteering at the UNN
Join the Greenhouse Gang
Volunteers are essential to the success of the Upstate Native Nursery (UNN), helping to maintain and support our collection of thousands of native plants. Opportunities to volunteer are available throughout the year, with tasks such as watering, potting, propagating, weeding, and checking the automatic irrigation system.
Volunteers typically contribute two to three hours on one or more mornings each week. A task list is provided to guide your efforts, outlining the specific plants needing attention and areas requiring maintenance. Our busiest months are from March through October.
Come join the fun by volunteering and learn about native plants while contributing to this incredible effort. No experience, skills, or commitment required, just email the UNN and let us know that you would like to help us out.
The Upstate Native Nursery in Greenville, SC
Future Site of the UNN
Currently in the works are plans to relocate and expand our Upstate Native Nursery.
The new site will feature enhanced facilities—including a passive solar greenhouse, potting shed, and seed-cleaning facility—to nearly double our production capacity.
While final location details are still in progress, we can’t wait to share more as this project evolves.
John Fritz and Rick Huffman helping shoppers with expert advice! Credit: Doug Lockard
Native Plant Sales
Our plant sales take a lot of effort, but the more volunteers, the easier and more fun it is. We need admissions, loaders, trucks and trailers, tent erectors, fence builders, waterers, sign makers, cashiers, and lots of other help to make each sale possible. Our Sales Chair posts the volunteer positions needed, a schedule, and a sign-up sheet for each sale. We’d be very happy to hear from you! Join the Team!
Credit: Doug Lockard
Be a Home Grower
Although we grow the majority of our plants at the UNN, we do purchase some. And, many of our plants are donated by our team of home growers. If you’re a gardener and enjoy growing, we’d like to invite you to join the team that make annual contributions to our inventory.
Contact our UNN Manager to discuss what species you have or we need and what our schedule is for the coming year. This is a great way for those of you with a green thumb to make your contribution!