Online Sales Begin March 15 for Annual Native Plant Sale

(March 9, 2021) — Gardeners are invited to plant local and think global by buying native plants through DuPage Forest Preserve District’s popular Native Plant Sale, which starts online March 15.

All orders (five-plant minimum) must be placed in advance online or by phone. Orders will be processed in the order they are received, but all orders are subject to supplier availability. There will be no in-person shopping this year.

Plant pickup will be 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Friday, May 14, and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook. Pickups will be curbside with limited person-to-person contact.

People can peruse the Native Plant Sale catalog — with photos, descriptions, prices and order information — and find links to upcoming Forest Preserve District programs and blogs filled with helpful advice on native landscaping at dupageforest.org/native-plant-sale.

All proceeds from the sale will support educational programming at the Forest Preserve District.

“This year we will be offering 16 new plant species, including four new species of shrubs,” said Anamari Dorgan, District director of community engagement services.

All plants at this year’s sale originate from seed collected within 100 miles of DuPage County and are not treated with insecticides containing neonicotinoids, which are harmful to bees and other insect pollinators. Gardeners who landscape with native plants help wildlife by providing additional habitat for them.

“The Native Plant Sale is intended to raise public awareness, spark interest and deepen knowledge about the many benefits of gardening with native plants — from healthy habitat for wildlife and people to resource conservation and climate benefits to simple beauty,” Dorgan said.

Gardeners can learn about landscaping with native plants and attracting pollinators at several Forest Preserve District programs but should also visit dupageforest.org/calendar-of-events to learn about other programs celebrating pollinators.

Native Landscaping: Species Selection Q & A
Learn how to read plant tags, identify your soil type and estimate how much sun your garden gets. Then, ask questions about specific species and how they will grow in your native garden. Ages 18 and up. $5 per person. Register online or at 630-850-8110.
March 24                        7 – 8:30 p.m.                      Online

Native Landscaping: Design
Share drawings and photos of your yard, and get one-on-one help from a naturalist who will help you pick out plants and design your own native oasis. Ages 18 and up. $15 per person. Call 630-933-7247 to schedule your one-hour appointment.
March 9, 16, 23, 30, or April 6, 13, 20, 27                1 p.m., 3 p.m. or 6 p.m.
April 3                                                                        10 a.m. or 1 p.m.

Wildflower Walk
Join a plant expert for a leisurely 1-mile walk through the woods to learn about spring wildflowers, including how to identify them and which varieties you can grow at home. Ages 18 and up. $5 per person. Register online or at 630-933-7248.
April 22                            2 – 3 p.m.                           Fullersburg Woods
April 29                            10 – 11 a.m.                        Maple Grove

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 6.2 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, six education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

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