Submitted by Master Gardeners

Just in time for spring planting — and spring is coming. The Native Plant sale is 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Saturday, March 16, at the San Juan County Fairgrounds, 849 Argyle Ave.

There are hundreds of natives in containers, including flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees.

Plants from the Salish Seeds project are included. They grow species native to county grasslands, oak savannahs and prairies. Plants are grown at Red Mill Farm in San Juan Valley.

Some of the spectacular flowers include the chocolate lily, shooting star, Douglas aster, prairie star, nodding onion, fawn lily,and both the great and common camas.

Shrubs include red flowering currant, evergreen huckleberry, Oregon grape and our state flower, the Pacific Rhododendron.

This year there are madrones in addition to Garry Oaks. Madrones can be successfully transplanted. Be sure to handle the roots gently when spreading them in the planting site. Do not fertilize or add compost to the soil. Water infrequently, but deeply, until established. Madrones prefer drier soils.

And for the adventurous, skunk cabbage! A beautiful harbinger of spring, there are both plugs and plants. Skunk cabbage produces its own heat, allowing it to flower when the ground is still frozen.

This is a partial list, there are more plants at the sale. Arrive early for best selection.

Information on how to plant your natives is available at the sale.

Cash and checks accepted only.

For more information about Master Gardeners visit extension.wsu.edu/sanjuan/master-gardeners.