Members of the Arlington Regional Master Naturalist (ARMN) chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program:
provide, promote, and facilitate volunteer service to sustain natural areas in our communities using sound natural resource management and conservation practices,
offer and support environmental education and outreach to encourage understanding and respect for our natural environment, and
engage in a wide range of citizen science activities that contribute to greater knowledge of local streams, plants, animals, and local habitat.
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The application period for the Arlington Regional Master Naturalists’
Fall 2019 Volunteer Training Course is now closed.
To learn more about the training and how to sign up, click HERE. And stay up-to date on what we do with the ARMN Blog. Sign up to receive it now!
There is a not-so-secret maxim among gardeners that autumn can be the best time to install new plants! The soil is well warmed, but the air is cooler, which provides less stress for transplants. And the native plant sellers are ready to provide you with the best choices of the season. The plants should become established well enough before winter, and by next spring will be ready to do their provide benefits to the critters that depend on them AND add wonderful beauty to your garden to boot! So, please consider a few—or several—native plants to brighten your yard, patio or deck. The native wildlife will appreciate it.
Orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).
Why Choose Native Plants?
Because they’re “from here,” natives are adapted to our climate and soil conditions. They are often the only or most healthful source of nectar, pollen, seeds, and leaves for local butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals. They also:
require little or no fertilizers and few if any pesticides,
need less water than lawns, and help prevent erosion,
help reduce air pollution,provide shelter and food for wildlife,
promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage,
and are beautiful and increase landscape values!
How to Choose the Right Natives for Your Yard or Pots
It’s important to install the right plants for your
conditions (wet, dry, shade, sun, slope, bog, soil type, etc.). One of the best
sources to answer these questions is the Plant Nova Natives website: http://www.plantnovanatives.org/,
with easy-to-follow tips, lots of photos, and additional links to learn what
will work for your situation.
List of Fall Plant Sales Where Can You Buy Natives
Most commercial nurseries do not carry many native plants. If your favorite place has a weak selection of natives, ask them to stock more! In the coming weeks, however, plan to visit the increasing number of native plant sales in the area (many of which provide food, entertainment, and fun for kids, too). Below is information on several in Northern Virginia. Happy shopping and planting!
9/04/2019
VNPS First Wednesday of the Month Native Plant Sale
10am to 1pm
Green Spring Gardens
4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria VA
The VNPS native plant sale takes place behind the Horticulture Center
