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| Photo Credit: Mark A. Miller |
| Plant sales often benefit worthy organizations, like this one at the American Horticultural Society’s headquarters in Virginia. |
I’m a big fan of native plant sales and find it difficult to pass one by. As a native plant enthusiast, I’m always looking for additions to my collection, not to mention the fact I like to encourage these brief enterprises to succeed. These fund-raising events are generally held by well-meaning organizations concerned about conservation and sustainability, so I know a few of my dollars are going to a good cause. (Okay, more than a few!)
The problem for many native plant shoppers is that they typically don’t know much about these lovely selections, so the plants subsequently have a high failure rate. This can actually discourage the conservation movement and leave people with the impression that native plants aren’t as simple as they’re cracked up to be. So if you’re planning to attend one of these worthy fund-raising sales this season, here are a few tips that will help you have some fun – and some success: | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: © Pennystone Gardens | | Beautiful Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot) is a lovely addition to many native plant gardens. |
● Do your homework first. Whether a small or large event, organizers almost always post a list of species for sale. A general shortcoming of many Websites, when it comes to natives, is scanty information about their habitat and even less about garden culture. My advice: Learn about the plants before you buy any, so you can make sure you’ll be able to meet the plants’ cultural requirements in your own garden.
● If you don’t know what’s for sale before you go, ask about the plants when you get there. Most often plant labels will simply read “sun,” “part shade” or “shade” – but these terms can mean a lot of things. Issues relating to light requirements are tricky, and many natives are fussy about how much sun they get, including at what time of day they like it. ● Realize that even though you ask about a plant, you aren’t always likely to get complete expert advice from the folks at the sale. Many of these events are staffed by enthusiastic volunteers with limited knowledge. Even if there’s a real sharp gardener among them, they’re likely to be overwhelmed with the activity and not be able to give you a detailed consultation. (That said, still ask questions and gather as much info as you can on the plants you’re interested in!) ● Understand that there’s a good probability that the plants just got off a long truck ride from somewhere and are under very high stress. Natives usually don’t like changes in habitat, and considering the fact they’ve come from a perfectly comfy hoop house where they’ve been well-cared-for, they might not look so hot and will need some care quickly.
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