By: 1812Blockhouse Staff, Richland SWCD
As we shared back at the beginning of April, that month was a celebration of Ohio’s native plants.
Although many activities and events planned for Ohio’s first Native Plants Month were postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 public health situation, the Ohio Department of National Resources still highlighted the importance of native plants and their variety throughout the month on the agency website and social media channels.
And, of course, many Ohioans still enjoyed these plants first-hand by going outdoors and experiencing them in their natural settings.
Now, as gardening season gets underway, Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) encourages you to “go native” when planning your garden or landscape.
Going native means utilizing native plants because of their many benefits. Native plants are more suited to our climate and soil and typically do better in our gardens than non-native species. They also provide excellent habitats and food for insects, pollinators, and wildlife. Because they have a strong root system, more soil is held in place which slows stormwater runoff and filters pollutants before they enter rivers, lakes, and streams.
Richland SWCD is hosting a Native Plant Sale in conjunction with Natives in Harmony. Plant plugs cost $3.00 and orders may be placed by calling Natives in Harmony at 419.688.9800 by June 5. A list of offered plants and their descriptions are found in the Native Plant Sale Catalog available on the Richland SWCD website at https://richlandswcd.net/services/water/rain-gardens. Plants are subject to availability at the time of order.
The Drive-Up & Pick-Up of orders will be held Wednesday, June 10 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the back-parking lot of the Richland County Longview Center located at 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield.
For more information about the Native Plant Sale, please call 419.747.8685 or e-mail [email protected].
