Gardener by Nature

“A garden is fully alive when it becomes a healthy, functioning ecosystem.”

Dale Batchelor, owner

Gardener by Nature

Welcome! Gardener by Nature offers landscape consultations for those who want a home environment that sustains wildlife and supports the surrounding ecosystem. I also offer workshops and presentations for both beginning and experienced gardeners as well as those new to the Triangle.

I focus on habitat gardening — emphasizing native plants for their benefit to birds and other wildlife and employing sustainable landscape practices that avoid the use of insecticides and chemical fertilizers.

As a frequent contributor to Triangle Gardener Magazine, I write about native plants and their use in landscaping. In my blog, I share my experiences creating habitats in my own and clients’ gardens. My newsletter offers seasonal tips along with upcoming lectures, plant sales, and other events of interest to gardeners. Click below to learn more about the different services I offer.

Garden with Dale

What’s New?

National Wildlife Federation Certified Habitat sign

Restoring Habitat

We enjoy eating breakfast out on our deck while listening to our backyard birds’ calls and songs. Cornell University’s Merlin bird identification app is helping us learn who’s who. We’ve …

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Upcoming Events

Hydrangea Stroll

Visitors are welcome for a stroll at Swiftbrook Gardens, Sunday, May 18, from 3 to 6 p.m. We anticipate a number of Hydrangea species and varieties, including our native climbing hydrangea, Woodvamp (Decumaria barbara), will be in flower. Woodland garden paths are uneven. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.
May 18, 2025
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
5508 Swiftbrook Circle
Free

Creating a Habitat Garden

Learn the necessary components for creating a landscape that supports insects, birds, and other wildlife while also meeting the needs of the human inhabitants. Participants will see native plants in a garden setting and learn strategies for creating plantings that are sustainable and maintainable. Identifying and encouraging native plants in your garden or natural areas not only benefits wildlife, it also connects your garden to thesurrounding natural community.
September 27, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
5508 Swiftbrook Circle, Raleigh
$45
September 25, 2025
More Events