Sale Offers Over 100 Types of Flowers, Grasses, Shrubs and Trees
(March 13, 2017) — The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County invites gardeners to get ready to go native by placing presale orders today through April 17 for its 10th annual Native Plant Sale.
This year’s sale will be at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook on Friday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gardeners who place presale orders can pick them up at the public sale May 12 and 13, or they can do all of their shopping at the sale at Mayslake, where they’ll also be able to get advice from Forest Preserve District experts. New for 2017, they can also pick up orders May 12, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago (plants will not be available for sale outside of the presale orders at Kline Creek Farm).
The Native Plant Sale catalog, which includes photos, descriptions and prices, is available at dupageforest.org/nativeplantsale. Gardeners can pay for presale and same-day orders with cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. All proceeds will support educational programming at the District.
“Natural landscaping is an opportunity to reestablish diverse native plants and invite birds and butterflies back to your home,” said Forest Preserve District President Joe Cantore.
Most 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.
“Native plants require less water, fertilizers and pesticides while providing shelter and food for wildlife and pollinators,” said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Jeff Redick, District 2.
More information about gardening with native plants and attracting pollinators is available at the following District-sponsored gardening programs:
Native Landscaping: All About Plants
Learn about the benefits of native plants and how their root structures differ from ornamentals’. Get tips and tricks for planting natives in your yard to attract pollinators and other wildlife. These 90-minute classes start at 1 or 3 p.m. Ages 18 and up. $7 per person. Register online or at 630-850-8110.
Apr 23 1 – 2:30 p.m., 3 – 4:30 p.m. Fullersburg Woods
Native Landscaping: For Birds, Bees and You
Learn how to create a beautiful, lower-maintenance, highly productive, resource-conserving backyard landscape that benefits wildlife and you. Ages 12 and up. $7 per person. Register online or at (630) 850-8110.
Apr 25 6:30 – 8 p.m. Fullersburg Woods
Native Landscaping: Design
Bring digital or hand-drawn pictures of your landscaping plan to this customized design session. By sharing ideas and gaining knowledge from our experts, you’ll leave with a design for your own backyard habitat. Ages 18 and up. $15 per person. Register online or at (630) 850-8110.
Apr 26 6 – 8 p.m. Fullersburg Woods
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five 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, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube pages.
