Spring into gardening at the Native Plant & Heirloom Vegetable Sale

Harvest a bounty of flavor and flair at Schaumburg Park District's Spring Valley Nature Center.

Sponsored by Davey Tree, the Native Plant & Heirloom Vegetable Sale is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, May 20, at the Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. The event is co-hosted by the Schaumburg Community Garden Club and Spring Valley Nature Club. Admission is free.

Featured in the sale are a wide variety of native shrubs, wildflowers and grasses, along with unique varieties of heirloom vegetables and herbs. Gardening experts will answer questions on home composting, attracting birds to the backyard, creating rain gardens and offer other landscaping tips.

"A lot of plants at the sale are hard to find," said Spring Valley Manager Dave Brooks. "These plants are reasonably priced, locally grown and are more adaptable to our local climate."

Heirloom vegetables include colorful tomatoes and peppers with robust flavors.

"Heirloom varieties can add a unique flair to the dinner table," Brooks said. "It's a chance for people to explore some different options."

Deadline for preorders is Sunday, May 6. To order native plants, visit SchaumburgGardenClub.org. Heirloom vegetables and herbs may be ordered at SpringValleyNatureClub.org.

For more information, call (847) 985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.