HERE’S HOW YOUR GARDEN GROWS
Chippewa Nature Center holding native plant sale June 2-4
Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) will host its 18th annual Native Plant Sale on Saturday, June 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 4 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Members are invited to a special presale on Friday, June 2 from 1-6 p.m. Visitors may become a member and shop the sale on Friday. New memberships purchased through June 4 will receive a free 2” plant at the sale. A complete list of plants available at this year’s sale is available at www.chippewanaturecenter.org. Plants will be available for immediate purchase at CNC, located at 400 S Badour Road in Midland. A pictorial guide of plants can be purchased for $5 at the sale, complete with growing conditions, wildlife value and more. CNC staff and the native plant group “Wild Ones” will be on-hand to help shoppers with their needs.
More than 90 species of native wildflowers, grasses, vines, shrubs and trees suited for a variety of growing conditions can turn your yard into a beautiful and healthy habitat that supports native birds, butterflies and beneficial insects with year-round interest.
As native species, the plants featured at this sale are welladapted to Michigan’s unique ecosystems and weather patterns. Their flowers add interest and provide food for native pollinators including butterflies, native bees, and hummingbirds. Many of these plants have deep roots, helping reduce storm water runoff, stabilizing soil, and buffering them from the effects of droughts. While all species require a little extra care in their first two years, once they are well-established, they will be permanent fixtures in your landscaping, adding color and interest for years to come.
Native plant species are adapted to our climate and soils, making them easier to establish in your home landscape. Planting a diversity of native plants will add beauty to your landscape, providing a wide range of colors throughout the spring, summer and fall. Native flowers also attract many pollinators including native bees, ruby-throated hummingbirds and butterflies.
The Native Plant Sale is generously sponsored by Ace Hardware & Sports; Bluemer Contracting; Nexthome — Paul Horning, Realtor; PM Blough, Inc. Landscape Architecture; Randi’s Green Thumb; Ted’s Home and Lawn; Carol Williams; Deb Temperly and Wild Ones, Mid-mitten Chapter.
For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter. org.