Introduction
Dear Gardeners ,
Welcome to our 2018 Native Plant Sale . Our theme this year is Gardening with Purpose : Beautiful Plants that Support Nature . National Audubon Society has noted that over the last century , a staggering 150 million acres of habitat and farmland has been lost to urban sprawl . This , unfortunately , directly attributes to biodiversity loss . However , there are easy things that you can do to enhance your garden with beautiful plants while supporting nature – plant more natives ! Research is finding that native plants provide a significantly higher level of ecosystem services than non-native plants by supporting pollinators , birds , and other wildlife . Data also suggests that native plants provide greater water purification and flood control services , and they sequester more carbon , provide more natural pest control , and greater soil enrichment services than non-native plants .
Carex appalachica
Native Grasses and Sedges , our featured plants this year , are the often overlooked workhorses of award-winning gardens . Unlike turf grasses whose roots only extend a few inches , the roots of our beautiful native grasses can reach down 7 feet or more ! And designers appreciate their texture , color , and graceful form in the garden as well . You can learn more about them on pages 18 and 22 . Andropogon ternarius
The roots of Delaware Nature Society also go deep into the community . Since 1964 , our organization has focused on educating the public on ways they can take action to protect and improve the environment . Gardening with purpose is just another way you can help improve the environment , by supporting important pollinators , protecting wildlife habitats , and conserving precious resources essential to all life on the planet – clean water and healthy soils . Not only do your plant purchases support wildlife and clean water in your own garden , but proceeds from our sale directly support conservation and management of habitat in Delaware , as well as the protection of our waterways .
Thank you for doing your part by planting and caring for native plants and supporting Delaware Nature Society !
Happy Planting ! Anne Harper Acting Executive Director
Joanne McGeoch Deputy Executive Director
4 Visit DelNature . org / NativePlantSale for native plant lists , articles , and programs and to become a member .