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Plant and tree sale is a sure sign of spring

A welcome sign that spring is on its way is the news that all preparations are being made for Citizens for Conservation's 18th annual Native Plant, Shrub and Tree Sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4. A huge selection of robust, hardy native plants will be available for purchase and knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

Why does CFC continue to expand and enhance its native plant sale each year? CFC is making great strides in informing the residents of this beautiful area, through Community Education programs and the new Habitat Corridors program, that native plants provide many advantages for gardeners and the environment. They do not require fertilizers or pesticides, which saves gardeners both time and money. In addition, their deep, fibrous root systems firmly anchor soil to help conserve water and prevent erosion. Once established, native plants do not require watering; they provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

What's new this year? The Native Plant, Shrub and Tree Sale has its own website now, www.cfcnativeplants.org, where gardeners who wish to order before the sale can see color photos of mature plants with descriptions of the growing conditions for each plant: Sun (full, partial), shade, moisture (dry, medium, wet) and mature size of plants. They can search by plant common or botanical names or growing conditions and see the beautiful photos of each. Gardeners can order online or find an order form to print on the CFC website at www. Citizensforconservation.org. Preordering increases gardeners' chances of getting the plants they want. The deadline for advance orders is Saturday, April 12.

Another new feature this year is special reduced prices on milkweeds. CFC hopes this will encourage gardeners to plant milkweed in numbers in order to help the vanishing Monarch butterfly population.

To relish in many choices: 95 varieties of forbs (flowering plants) 22 varieties of grasses/sedges, eight kinds of ferns, 25 special woodland plants, 33 varieties of shrubs and 25 of trees, plus sun and shade rain gardens, and dry and wet butterfly gardens. Think spring and join Citizens for Conservation in celebrating the natural beauty of our region.

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