Native Revival Gardens
Prairie to the People!
Illinois is known as "the Prairie State" and yet, our once expansive prairie ecosystem is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the entire world... less than 4% remains of the Great Plain's tallgrass prairie habitat.
Our mission is to empower average homeowners to aid in reconstructing these beautiful and bountiful native habitats in their own yards.
Native plant gardens are beautiful year-round, beneficial to a long list of wildlife, low-maintenance and environmentally sustainable. Whether you are interested in a small prairie garden, or a full lawn-to-natives conversion, we are eager to help.
The loss of our native prairie habitat in Illinois has been devastating to local ecology.
Services
Pocket Prairie
Our "pocket prairies" are affordable native garden installations for your back or front yard. Whether you want an island bed, foundation planting, walkway border, or something else, we have beautiful arrangements available for any and all soil and light conditions.
Custom Arrangements
Maintenance & Consultation
If you want to define your own style with a larger project, or you're ready for a full lawn-to-native conversion, we are ready to be of assistance and bring your vision to life.
Are you a DIY enthusiast but intimidated by the idea of getting your own native garden established? Let us help you with consultation, maintenance, or both. We would love to work with you to bring native life back into your yard.
Our Story
Who We Are
Michael Huttner – Founder
Michael Huttner is the founder of Native Revival Gardens, a native plant nursery and family-owned and operated landscaping business committed to turning traditional lawns into vibrant, sustainable native gardens. With a focus on affordability and ecological impact, Michael works to make lawn-to-native transformations accessible to everyday homeowners who want to support local biodiversity and reduce their environmental footprint.
Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he developed a lifelong interest in ethics, systems thinking, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. That foundation continues to inform his approach to landscaping—not just as design, but as a form of ecological responsibility.
Through Native Revival Gardens, Michael offers curated plant packages and hands-on installations that help restore native habitat, conserve water, and provide essential food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife. His work reflects a simple but powerful belief: that sustainable, beautiful landscapes should be available to everyone, and that restoring nature can begin right at your front door.
Mélanie Huttner – Founder, Native Plant Specialist
Mélanie Huttner is a native plant specialist at Native Revival Gardens, where she brings a lifelong passion for plants, ecology, and sustainable living. Raised in the countryside of rural Quebec, Mélanie developed a strong connection to the natural world early on. Her passion for cultivation began while working on a lavender farm, where her hands-on experience deepened her understanding of plant life and the delicate balance of cultivated and wild landscapes.
Mélanie has always believed that our built environments should feel more alive, more connected to the ecosystems we depend on. She’s driven by the idea that even small changes in our yards and green spaces can contribute to a healthier, more vibrant planet. Whether she's selecting native species for pollinator gardens or helping homeowners create welcoming habitats for birds and insects, Mélanie approaches every project with the heart of a conservationist.
Though now based in the Midwest, Mélanie remains a country girl at heart—bringing her deep-rooted values of simplicity, sustainability, and respect for nature into everything she does. At Native Revival Gardens, she works alongside her husband, Michael, to help reintroduce biodiversity into everyday spaces and inspire others to be stewards of the land, right at home.
