Delaware Nature Society’s first fall Native Plant Sale preview begins Sept. 24

Delaware Nature Society’s first fall Native Plant Sale will be held online Oct. 9-12. Plants will be available for pickup at both Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin and Abbott’s Mill in Milford. The theme is Keystone Native Species. These all-important native trees and shrubs support local birds, bees and wildlife.

Sale preview will begin at 9 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, and online shopping will be Friday-Monday, Oct. 9-12. Quantities will be limited, so be sure to shop early. Plants will be available for pickup Saturday, Oct. 24, at Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin and Abbott’s Mill in Milford.
 
While spring is the time of year when most people are excited to plant, fall is an ideal time for getting trees, shrubs and other plants in the ground. Fall brings shortened days with cooler, wetter weather, which means less watering and helps the development of root systems before winter sets in. As a result, trees and shrubs planted in fall are better equipped to deal with drought and heat the following summer. Those who plant then will immediately benefit from fall color and winter structure and interest.

Keystone species are the glue holding natural communities together. Keystone species are plants or animals that have a very large effect on a local natural community. According to Dr. Doug Tallamy, UD professor and author of “Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard,” keystone species support other species in their ecosystem and help them coexist. Remove the keystone, and the ecosystem falls apart, dramatically changing the environment and resulting in loss of other species. Only about 5 percent of the local plant species hosted 70 to 75 percent of the local Lepidoptera (butterflies, moths and skippers) species, which are important pollinators and food for other animals. Native trees and shrubs are key, including oak, blueberry, and willow, as they help support hundreds of species of butterflies and moths.

DelNature will provide six pre-made plant packages for the sale (visit DelNature.org for more packages) to make fall planting easier, including:

• Butterfly Package (eight plants) $75: Attract butterflies and other pollinators with this summer and fall blooming combination for average to damp soils in full sun. Package includes two attractive shrubs and three keystone perennials that will have pollinators buzzing from June through October: one Cephalanthus occidentalis Sugar Shack (Dwarf Buttonbush), one Clethra alnifolia Ruby Spice (Summer Sweet Clethra), two Eutrochium maculatum Gateway (Spotted Joe Pye), two Solidago odora (Sweet Goldenrod) and two Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster).

• Bird Package (eight plants) $75: Fruiting trees and shrubs combined with a late-blooming goldenrod to provide seeds for the winter birds. In addition, all these keystone plants provide lots of caterpillars to feed baby songbirds, plus pollen and nectar for bees. Two different blueberry selections will be provided for best fruiting. Package includes: one Prunus serotina (Wild Black Cherry), two Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry) and five Solidago odora (Sweet Goldenrod).

Not only do the native plant purchases support diversity in the garden, but also, proceeds from the sale directly support conservation and management of diverse habitats, and protection of waterways. As over 30 percent of wildlife is vulnerable due to habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species, now more than ever, DNS is depending on support from gardeners. For more information, go to www.delawarenaturesociety.org.

For everyone’s health and safety, DelNature staff will follow COVID safety guidelines at plant pickup, including staying six feet away from customers, using face masks, and sanitizing hands between orders. Pickup at Ashland and Abbott’s Mill will be curbside.

Delaware Nature Society’s mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve the environment through education, advocacy, and conservation. Founded in 1964, it is a state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation, providing tools for communities to take action and promote the health of the environment through land preservation,  wildlife protection, and watershed stewardship. It manages over 2,000 acres of land and operates four educational sites: Ashland Nature Center, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, DuPont Environmental Education Center, and Coverdale Farm Preserve.