Text and photos by Kasha Helget
Think you have to wait till next spring to purchase native plants? Think again!! Below are locations where you can purchase the perfect plants to benefit local wildlife and spruce up your yard, too.
Autumn is the best time to install new perennials, trees, and shrubs with warmer soils but cooler air temperatures, which reduces transplant shock. Planting in September or October should give perennials plenty of time to become established before winter. (And woody plants may even be installed during the winter when they’re dormant, so they can start strong in the spring.)
Whether they are perennials or woodies, by spring the new natives will be able to provide benefits to the local critters that depend on them AND add wonderful beauty to your garden.
You may ask: Why are native plants important?
Native species are plants that have occurred naturally in a particular place, not introduced or manipulated by humans to change their features. These native species have co-evolved with animals and other organisms over hundreds of years and are often the most—or only—healthful source of nectar, pollen, seeds, and leaves for these resident butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals. But there are many other benefits of native plants. They:
- do not require fertilizers and few, if any, pesticides,
- need less water than lawns, and help prevent erosion,
- help reduce air pollution,
- provide shelter for wildlife,
- promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural spaces, and
- are beautiful and can increase landscape values!
How do you determine the right natives for your yard or pots?
It’s important to install plants that suit your conditions (wet, dry, shade, sun, slope, soil type, etc.). So, how do you know what’s right for you? One of the best resources is Plant NoVA Natives with easy-to-follow tips, dozens of photos and descriptions of plant conditions, and additional links to learn what should work well for your situation(s). All of the plants listed on the PNN site are true or “straight” native species, not cultivars (AKA “nativars”). While some cultivars may work for local wildlife, native species, especially those that are locally sourced, are always the best choices for native wildlife.
To learn more about natives vs. cultivars check out the National Wildlife Federation piece, “Native, or Not So Much?” that provides great examples of what does and does not work for native wildlife.
Where can you buy natives?
Most commercial nurseries do not carry many, if any, native species. If they do have “natives,” these are often cultivars with features that may not support local wildlife. If you have a favorite garden shop that has a weak selection of native species, tell management to please stock more. And don’t be afraid to ask for true, “straight species” natives—not cultivars or nativars. If staffers don’t know whether they have any natives, or aren’t sure of the difference between a straight species native and a cultivar, it may be best to buy the natives from folks who know and carry the true native species.
Below are places to purchase native plants this fall. So, take advantage of these opportunities and bring home a few—or several—native plants to brighten your yard, patio, balcony, or deck. Even a handful of natives can make a wonderful difference for local wildlife.
Now until Friday, September 12
Most commercial nurseries do not carry many, if any, native species. If they do have “natives,” these are often cultivars with features that may not support local wildlife. If you have a favorite garden shop that has a weak selection of native species, tell management to please stock more. And don’t be afraid to ask for true, “straight species” natives—not cultivars or nativars. If staffers don’t know whether they have any natives, or aren’t sure of the difference between a straight species native and a cultivar, it may be best to buy the natives from folks who know and carry the true native species.
Below are places to purchase native plants this fall. So, take advantage of these opportunities and bring home a few—or several—native plants to brighten your yard, patio, balcony, or deck. Even a handful of natives can make a wonderful difference for local wildlife.
Arlington Native Plant Sale
Now until Friday, September 12
Preorder deadline September 12. Click here for available plants, order, and pickup information. Pickup on Saturday, September 20, 1-4pm at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 24th St. N Arlington, VA 22207. Click here for other details.
Wednesday, September 3
10am–1pm
Potowmack Chapter, Virginia Native Plant Society
Green Spring Gardens
4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria VA
The VNPS native plant sale takes place behind the Horticulture Center
https://vnps.org/potowmack/plant-sale/.
Saturday, September 6
9am–12pm
Prince William Master Gardeners
Teaching Garden at St Benedict Monastery Plant Sale
9535 Linton Hall Rd
Bristow, Va. 20136
https://allevents.in/bristow/fall-plant-sale-at-the-teaching-garden/200028687369759
Saturday, September 13
9am–2pm
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Native Plant Sale
Morven Park
17195 Southern Planter Ln, Leesburg, VA 20176
https://loudounwildlife.org/event/fall-native-plant-sale/
Saturday, September 13
8am–12pm
Town of Vienna Conservation and Sustainability Commission Native Plant Sale
Vienna Community Center
120 Cherry St.
Vienna VA 22180
Click here under “Fall Native Plant Sale” for details.
Sunday, September 21, 2025
9:00am–2pm
Earth Sangha Fall Open House & Native Plant Sale
6100 Cloud Dr.
Springfield, VA 22150
https://vnps.org/potowmack/events/earth-sangha-fall-open-house-native-plant-sale-3/
Saturday, September 27
9am–2pm
Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale
The Church of St. Clement, 1701 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22302.
https://northernalexandrianativeplantsale.weebly.com/
Wednesday, October 1
10am–1pm
Potowmack Chapter, Virginia Native Plant Society
Green Spring Gardens
4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria VA
The VNPS native plant sale takes place behind the Horticulture Center
https://vnps.org/potowmack/plant-sale/.
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