Are you looking for plants that will beautify your yard while requiring a minimum of maintenance? The plants that evolved here are the ones for you! The more local the origin of a plant, the more likely it is to be adapted to our particular soils and climate. There could be a big difference in the cold and heat tolerance of an Eastern Red Columbine that evolved in Virginia compared to one that evolved in Saskatchewan, even if they do look alike!
We are fortunate in Northern Virginia to have many sources of native plants. In addition to the native-only nurseries – some of which propagate plants themselves from local seed sources – there are numerous vendors who set up shop at special plant sales in the spring and fall. This spring, there are at least sixteen such sales planned, in locations all over Northern Virginia. Find a list and a calendar on the Plant NOVA Natives website. If you are looking for particular plants, you can contact vendors in advance and ask them to bring them for you. Traditional commercial nurseries are selling more and more native plants as well (but don’t expect to find natives at big box stores).
It definitely helps to know what you are looking for before you go shopping. The Native Plants for Northern Virginia guide makes that easy. It can be downloaded for free or purchased as a print copy.
Our local wildlife also agree that native plants are the best. In fact, the ecosystem is entirely dependent on the plants that evolved with our bees, butterflies, birds, etc. Why not give them a home on your property?
Watch our 16 second video ad for native plant sales.