Citizens for Conservation will hold its 19th annual Native Plant, Shrub and Tree Sale on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 from 9 a.m-3 p.m. We will have a huge selection of robust, hardy native plants for purchase, and knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.
Native plants provide many advantages for gardeners and the environment. They do not require fertilizers or pesticides which saves gardeners both time and money. In addition, their deep, fibrous root systems firmly anchor soil to help conserve water and prevent erosion. Native plants do not require watering but instead provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
You can pre-order native forbs (flowering plants) and grasses, but they will also be available on the day of the sale. Trees and shrubs must be ordered in advance. Gardeners who wish to pre-order can do so online at www.citizensforconservation.org beginning March 1. Pre-ordering increases your chances of getting the plants you want. The deadline for advance orders is April 10 with the pick-up date of May 1.
This year the sale will be held in the Good Shepherd Hospital barn area ( to the east of the actual hospital), 450 W. Highway 22, in Lake Barrington, across from CFC Headquarters. If you have questions or wish to have an order form mailed, call CFC at 847-382-SAVE (7283).
Again this year, CFC will be offering native milkweed at greatly reduced prices for the sake of the monarchs.