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Greenville & Hockessin Life

Shop for native plants May 2 and 3 in Greenville

Apr 22, 2015 02:25PM ● By J. Chambless
The Delaware Nature Society will hold its annual Native Plant Sale at Coverdale Farm Preserve in Greenville on May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and May 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Members-only days are April 30, and May 1, from 3 to 7 p.m. Admission is free.
This year’s theme is “Blooms with Impact: Plants for People and Pollinators”. The theme of pollinators is intentional, as there has been so much attention lately on the threat of decline in the butterfly population, and particularly, monarchs.
“Monarch butterfly populations – along with many other pollinators – are struggling for a variety of reasons including habitat loss…the good news is that we can make a positive difference just by adding more native plants to our yards while creating beautiful, easy to care for, gardens,” said Executive Director Brian Winslow.
Pollinators are important for many reasons. It is estimated that one out of every three bites of food we eat is dependent upon pollinators, including butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and even beetles.
While planting native plants will make your yard more beautiful, they will also increase the harvest of any vegetable plants you may have in your garden. Native plants will attract both pollinators and beneficial insects that will prey on bugs that could damage your crops.
Delaware Nature Society’s Native Plant Sale features more than 350 varieties of native wildflowers, trees, shrubs, ferns and aquatic plants that will help attract and sustain pollinators. Some are introductions from the nearby Mt. Cuba Center, and many species attract wildlife such as birds and butterflies.
Native plants need less fertilizer and water than non-native plants and are often less expensive and easier to maintain because they are specially adapted to the local climate, soil type, and wildlife. Native plants are also more resistant to threats like pests, drought, frost, and disease than non-native plants.
"Author and UD professor Doug Tallamy autographs his books with the phrase "Garden as if your life depends on it," and that is exactly what our native plant sale is all about. We need the native plants to save the monarch and support the birds and the bees -- you can find them all at our Native Plant Sale,” said Lori Athey, Habitat Coordinator.
Visit www.delnature.org/NPS for more information and to view the Native Plant Sale catalog.

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