Submitted by San Juan County Master Gardeners

Interested in using native plants in your landscape? There are many wonderful reasons to use Pacific Northwest natives species. They are often long-lived and need little maintenance; they provide year-round color and garden interest; they can be used to stabilize hillsides and prevent erosion; and some are drought and heat tolerant; helpful in a warming climate. And, they are a “welcome mat” for wildlife, providing food and homes for beneficial insects, amphibians, birds and mammals.

This year we’re offering the spectacular Garrya elliptica, the Coast Silktassel, whose common name describes the long cream-colored catkins that hang from branches in the spring. If you have space for this large shrub, it will reward you with a wonderful, long-lasting display every spring.

Other selections include bare-root deciduous trees and shrubs, including the ever-popular Red Flowering Currant, Indian Plum and Mock Orange. Online orders are due March 6. Order early as quantities are limited and often sell out. Full descriptions, cultural requirements and the order form are located at www.mgfsjc.org/nps2020.html.

Many more plants, not available through online ordering, are available in containers at the sale. Please come early! Popular varieties sell out quickly.

The Native Plant Sale is presented by the Master Gardener Foundation of San Juan County in cooperation with Washington State University Extension San Juan County.

The sale takes place from 9 a.m.–noon, Saturday, March 21 at the San Juan County Fairgrounds, 849 Argyle Ave.

Orcas and Lopez islanders may pick up their orders at the Orcas Island Grange or at Sunset Builders, Saturday, March 21 between 10 a.m.-noon.

The WSU Master Gardener Program is a nationally recognized program that trains volunteers to serve their communities through horticultural education and outreach. Once volunteers receive training, they provide research-based; educational information to the public on vegetable and fruit gardening; native plants; ornamentals and landscape maintenance; composting; plant problem diagnosis; pest control; and many other concerns. For more information about San Juan County Master Gardeners visit extension.wsu.edu/sanjuan/master-gardeners/or call 360-378-4414.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact the WSU San Juan County Extension office at 360-370-7663 at least two weeks prior to the event.