Text and photos by Kasha Helget
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.
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
- https://vnps.org/potowmack/events/potowmack-chapter-first-wednesday-plant-sale-2019-09-04/
- 9/07/2019
- Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Native Plant Festival & Sale
- 9am to 2pm
- Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Cabell’s Mill
- 5235 Walney Rd., Centreville, VA
- https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence/native-plant-festival-sale/090719
- 9/07/2019
- Master Gardeners of Prince William County Plant Sale
- 9am to Noon
- St. Benedict Monastery
- 9535 Linton Hall Rd., Bristow VA
- Contact:Mastergardener@mgc.gov.org
- 9/14/2019
- Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Fall Native Plant Sale
- 9am to 3pm
- Morven Park
- 17263 Southern Planter Ln, Leesburg, VA
- www.loudounwildlife.org
- 9/15/2019
- Glencarlyn Garden AutumnFest
- 10am to 3pm
- Glencarlyn Public Library
- 300 S. Kensington St., Arlington, VA
- https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/5665046
- 9/21/2019
- Green Spring Gardens Fall Garden Day and Plant Sale
- 9am to 3 pm
- 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria VA
- There will be both native and non-native plant sellers. The VNPS native plant sale takes place behind the Horticulture Center
- https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring/fall-garden-day/092119
- 9/21/2019
- Friends of Runnymeade Park Plant Sale
- 10am to 2pm
- 196 Herndon Parkway, Herndon VA
- http://www.frpweb.org/10.html
- 9/21/2019
- Town of Vienna Fall Native Plant Sale
- 9am to 1pm
- 120 Cherry Street, SE, Vienna VA
- 9/22/2019
- Earth Sangha Wild Plant Nursery Sale
- 10am to 2pm
- 6100 Cloud Dr., Franconia Park, Springfield VA
- www.earthsangha.org/wpn/wpn.html
- 9/28/2019
- Long Branch Fall Native Plant Sale
- 1pm to 4pm
- Pre-order deadline is 4pm, 9/18/2019
- Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA
- https://parks.arlingtonva.us/native-plant-sale/
- 9/29/2019
- Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale (formerly Park Fairfax plant sale)
- 9am to 2pm
- 1701 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA
- www.northernalexandrianativeplantsale.org/
- 10/02/2019
- 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 will take place behind the Horticulture Center
- https://vnps.org/potowmack/events/potowmack-chapter-first-wednesday-plant-sale-2019-09-04/
