Today we are spotlighting Grow Native! Certified Pro Allegra Pierce, who became certified in 2024. Allegra is the Landscape Designer for Pretty City Gardens and Landscapes, LLC, a Grow Native! professional member in St. Louis, Missouri.
A sustainable and functional native garden with seating area. Photo: Allegra Pierce
Allegra explains that, “Today, I am motivated by the education and impact that is achieved with native landscaping. I get to talk to clients who start out knowing very little, and introduce them to the idea of sustainable and functional landscapes. Once they see their first pollinator, they are often inspired to learn more.“ Her approach to native landscaping is to keep the species list simple, choose reliable plants, and focus on seasonal display. Since her goal is to make native landscaping attractive and approachable to everyone, these are some simple tricks to ensure the garden will be beautiful and easier to maintain.
A steep hillside garden installed in Spring 2024. Photo: Allegra Pierce
Allegra has worked on a number of projects that were funded through the MSD Rainscaping Small Grants Program in St. Louis, involving the installation of lawn alternative gardens for passionate clients with the intention of showing off their thriving, beautiful native garden to their neighbors. Since Pretty City primarily works in St. Louis city, they are often called upon to install gardens on steep hillsides. This is a challenge, but the end result is much better than the recurring chore of mowing lawn grass that serves no purpose. Pretty City utilizes natural stone and boulders to help prevent erosion as a garden gets established.
Sloped garden with ‘S’ curve natural stone accent wall, installed in Spring 2024. Photo: Allegra Pierce
Sloped garden showing use of natural stone, installed in Fall 2024. Photo: Allegra Pierce
Allegra watering a new plant that will become part of a beautiful, sustainable, and functional landscape!
The level of education and impact achieved through these successful projects motivates Allegra and all at Pretty City to keep working, creating landscapes that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and functional!
In 2025, the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program is 25 years old. For a quarter century, this native plant education and marketing program has been a significant catalyst for the growth of the native landscaping movement in the lower Midwest and beyond. Certification offered by Grow Native! is a voluntary program that provides recognition of an individual’s knowledge and skills related to working with native plants in a professional capacity. Since launching in 2022, more than 30 native plant professionals have earned credentials through the Grow Native! Professional Certification Program. Learn more here.
