Shake, Stroll & Flourish
A Whimsical Habit for the Modern Naturalist
Some of the best moments in life happen while walking—no destination, no headphones, just you, the rhythm of your footsteps, and the quiet beauty of the woods. One small habit I’ve grown to love during these slow strolls? Carrying a seed shaker.
A seed shaker is exactly what it sounds like: a small jar or pouch filled with native seeds that can be gently scattered along trails, meadows, or overlooked patches of land. It’s a subtle act of restoration—no digging, no gloves, no fuss. Just a quiet way to give something back as you move through the landscape.
In Northeast Ohio, where forests, fields, and wetlands still hum with native life, a seed shaker isn’t just charming—it’s purposeful. It helps rebuild the balance between land and pollinator, human and habitat. One shake at a time.
🌱 Why Native Plants Matter—Especially in Northeast Ohio
Native plants are the quiet heroes of any ecosystem. In this region, they’ve evolved to thrive through our freeze-thaw cycles, summer humidity, and glacial soil. When we reintroduce native species, we:
Support local bees, butterflies, and birds
Improve soil health and prevent erosion
Reduce the need for watering or fertilizing
Help rebuild balanced, resilient ecosystems
By planting native, you’re not just adding beauty—you’re participating in ecological healing.
🧺 What to Put in Your Seed Shaker
Here are three Bougie Brunette–approved blends tailored for Northeast Ohio. Each one is practical, beautiful, and thoughtfully curated to offer joy now—and impact later.
🌿 The Medicinal Bloom Shaker
Perfect for the herbal tea lover or backyard apothecary-in-training. These plants have traditional healing uses and also attract pollinators:
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Anti-inflammatory, grows almost anywhere
Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) – Antimicrobial, great in teas
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) – Calming and sweetly aromatic
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) – Traditional remedy, hardy and low-growing
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – Immune-supportive, a pollinator favorite
Wild Bergamot – A native mint with dreamy lavender blooms
🌸 The Native Wildflower Shaker
These bright, hardy blooms help restore biodiversity and thrive without much care:
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Pollinator magnet
Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca or tuberosa) – Critical for monarchs
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) – Late-season nectar source
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – Gorgeous fall color
Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) – Adds texture and movement
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Classic, hardy, and beautiful
🍓 The Edible Trail Shaker
Wild food meets subtle restoration. These are lovely foragers’ delights you may stumble upon next season:
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) – Edible groundcover
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta) – Tart and tender
Chickweed (Stellaria media) – Mild, vitamin-rich greens
Wild Onion (Allium canadense) – Pretty flowers, edible bulbs
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Entirely edible and useful
Common Violet (Viola sororia) – Sweet flowers, shady groundcover
🚫 What Not to Include
Unfortunately, many commercial “wildflower mixes” include invasive or non-native species. Avoid these to protect local ecosystems:
Crown Vetch
Purple Loosestrife
Dame’s Rocket (commonly mistaken for native phlox)
Queen Anne’s Lace
Baby’s Breath
Siberian Wallflower
Yellow Toadflax
Sweet Alyssum
🧂 How to Make & Use Your Seed Shaker
You’ll need:
A small glass jar (a parmesan cheese shaker works beautifully) or muslin pouch
1–2 teaspoons or tablespoons of each seed variety
Optional: a bit of dry sand or sifted compost to help distribute evenly
To assemble:
Mix the seeds with your sand or soil base.
Keep your shaker in your pocket or walking bag.
Sprinkle lightly along trail edges, sunny clearings, or neglected field margins.
The best time to scatter? Late fall or early spring—this mimics nature’s rhythm and encourages germination.
📝 A Few Gentle Guidelines
Stick to native species only. Many garden center “wildflower” mixes are not regionally appropriate.
Avoid scattering in preserves or protected land. Stick to your own property, trailsides, or permitted public spaces.
Be patient. Some native species take a season or two to fully establish—but when they do, they return stronger year after year.
🌼 Final Thought
A seed shaker might seem small, but it’s a quiet act of participation—a way to say I was here, and I left something good behind. Whether it’s a patch of violets, a humming monarch, or a golden stand of wildflowers next season, you’ll know you helped make it possible.
It’s simple. It’s charming. And just like all good things—it grows over time.
