With the New Year rolled over and the seed catalogues arriving daily in the mailboxes, gardeners are making their to do list for the perfect, dream garden. The Master Gardeners of San Juan County have a suggestion: The Master Gardener/Conservation District annual Native Plant Sale is scheduled for February 26, 2011, but don’t procrastinate! You should order now! Certain popular species sell out quickly!
Late winter is a great time to plant native species (or any new plant) because the plants have time to get settled in before the dry months of July and August. You can prevent soil erosion, improve water quality and contribute to wildlife habitat by planting native species. Conifers such as Alaska Yellow Cedar and Incense Cedar and trees and shrubs such as Blue Elderberry, Cascara, Evergreen Huckleberry, Indian Plum, Nootka Rose, RedOsier Dogwood will be available, in addition to many others. To see the entire list and print out an order form goto www.sanjuan.wsu.edu. Or request a form from WSU Extension at 378-4414.
The plants are one to two years old, either bare-root or plugs, are conservation stock and are typically sold in bundles of five plants. They range from 8” to 36” in height and prices range from $3.25 to $11.00 per plug or bundle.
There is a minimum purchase of $25.00 for all pre-orders. All pre-orders must have a $25.00 deposit. The balance is due at the time of pick-up on Saturday, February 26th at the the Orcas Island Grange.
Deadline for submitting orders is February 1st. Some plans will be available for sale on Saturday, February 26th at the Fair Grounds, but variety and quantities will be limited so order now for best selection!
