Native Plants
Save the Date for our 10th Annual Native Plant Sale!
- Friday, April 25, 4:00-7:00 pm -- Member Preview Night
- Saturday, May 3, 8:30 am-4:30 pm -- Open to the Public
- Sunday, May 4, 9:00 am-1:00 pm -- Open to the Public
2014 Native Plant Sale Catalog coming soon!
Why Use Native Plants?
- Native plants are the building blocks that create habitat. By gardening with natives, we recreate the habitat that is lost to urban and suburban development.
- Native plants provide food for wildlife in the form of nectar, pollen, fruit, seeds, and leaves.
- Native plants create cover from predators and a place for wildlife to raise their young.
- When sited properly, native plants thrive in our climate, our soils, and the moisture fluctuations of this region.
- A well designed native garden mimics the natural plant community and creates both a functional space for wildlife and an attractive space for our families to enjoy.
Our Nursery’s Steps to Sustainability.
We care how our nursery operation affects the environment. Here are some of the ways we try to reduce our impact:
- Peat-free potting mix: Our mix is a blend of renewable products and bi-products. It contains no peat, which takes
hundreds of millions of years to form (essentially a non-renewable resource).
- Natural pest control: We refrain from using chemicals that could potentially harm non-target, beneficial species.
Instead, we let our visiting birds, amphibians, and predatory insects keep pests in check.
- Natural Fertilizer: We use an organic blend of fertilizer that promotes soil and plant health. This blend releases
nutrients into the soil slowly over the course of the season, promoting healthier plants.
- Reused Pots: We ask our patrons to return their pots in good condition for reuse in our nursery. Even better than
recycling!
Got Nursery Pots?
The Schuylkill Center’s Native Plant Nursery needs your used 1 and 2qt pots! If you have pots of these sizes in good condition, please drop them off at the Main Building. We thank you for helping us keep our costs down and our carbon footprint small.
