ARBORETUM NEWS (FRIENDS OF THE ARBORETUM)

Think Spring! Native Plant Sale orders due March 17

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2007

Planting native species is a great way to encourage a more “green” community.

The native garden mixes we offer not only look great, but also soak up rainwater and melted snow to decrease runoff and protect our lakes. In addition, attract a diversity of butterflies, hummingbirds, song birds and insects.

More gardeners are taking advantage of this option to plan their native landscapes. You’ll find something for every garden environment from the selection of plants included in the Native Plant Sale order form.

Thirteen native shrubs, three trees, two vines and four prairie plant gardens—including rain garden, butterfly and hummingbird garden, children’s prairie garden and savanna garden—are available to order through March 17.

New tree species for 2008 include bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and shagbark hickory (Carya ovata). These two native species are not easy to find in nurseries, and their distinctive shapes and textures suggest pre-settlement, Midwestern landscapes.

The new children’s prairie garden includes species from the gardens east of the Visitor Center and offers something for the child in everyone—texture, smell, vivid colors and creature names.

Purchasing native plants by ordering now through March 17, or by attending the Native Plant Sale on May 10, benefits the Arboretum and also gardeners who get genuine, high-quality native plants from reputable, local nurseries.

Download the Native Plant Sale brochure and order form.

For an idea of the wide variety of native plants available at the plant sale, download a PDF of the 2007 species list.

Located between Lake Wingra and the West Beltline Highway at 1207 Seminole Highway, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum features the restored prairies, forests and wetlands of pre-settlement Wisconsin. This 1,260-acre arboretum also houses flowering trees, shrubs and a world-famous lilac collection. Educational tours for groups and the general public, science and nature-based classes for all ages and abilities, and a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for groups, families and individuals are available.