Neighbors Naturescaping

Naturescaping is a method of sustainable landscaping that incorporates native perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees to build a greener and more sustainable city. Through the Neighbors Naturescaping program, Brightside offers native plants and tools to St. Louis groups interested in a naturescaping project in St. Louis City. Plant a native garden to cheer up a public or nonprofit space in your neighborhood!

What are the benefits of Neighbors Naturescaping?

• Beautify a public or nonprofit space in your neighborhood
• Restore Missouri native plant communities
• Attract beneficial wildlife, such as butterflies, bees and birds
• Reduce stormwater runoff and protect our drinking water

Submit Your Naturescaping Project   

Ready to take that next step to beautify your city neighborhood? Consider a Neighbors Naturescaping greening project with Brightside St. Louis to improve public spaces in your area.

To learn more, download the Neighbors Naturescaping 2025 Flyer or contact us. Learn more about the 2025 application process at the St. Louis Urban Gardening Symposium on May 31, 2025 and Native Plant Garden Tour on June 14, 2025.

Your Neighbors Naturescaping project can be in any public space and some nonprofit spaces in St. Louis City. These can include medians, neighborhood entrances, parks, street barricades, LRA lots with current garden leases and other public spaces and nonprofit spaces approved by Brightside.

Projects selected for implementation will be provided with plants, tools and hardscape, as requested in their application and approved by the Selection Committee.  No cash awards will be given.

2025 Application Details!

Want to apply for a project this year? Request a 2025 Application packet here by June 27, 2025. Digital applications will be emailed starting the week of May 19. Paper applications will be available at the St. Louis Urban Gardening Symposium (SLUGS) and available at the Brightside office for pick-up (starting the week of May 19). Be sure to register to participate in the Neighbors Naturescaping Q & A at SLUGS (Register here).

Applications will only be available May 19-June 27, 2025 and complete applications may be submitted via email or on paper until noon on August 8, 2025! Please contact Brightside with any questions or concerns.

NEW THIS YEAR: We will offer a Native Plant Garden Tour on June 14, 2025 to showcase a variety of garden locations in St. Louis City. More details coming soon!

As groups prepare their proposal, we recommend planning a visit to our Demonstration Garden to see the recommended plants in their native habitats and to learn about which plants are appropriate for the proposed planting location.

Attend the 2025 St. Louis Urban Gardening Symposium

To help prepare for a neighborhood greening project, groups are also encouraged to participate in the 2025 St. Louis Urban Gardening Symposium.

The symposium will feature special guest speakers who will share their wealth of experience and knowledge of native plants, pollinators and all things urban gardening! Then we will break into small group workshops led by experts in their respective fields.

This annual event offers a special educational presentation to help groups successfully develop and properly care for a neighborhood garden. Only $10 for participants and FREE to anyone interested in applying for Neighbors Naturescaping.