ARBORETUM NEWS (FRIENDS OF THE ARBORETUM)

Friends Native Plant Sale is May 8

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010

More than 100 species of native grasses, prairie plants, ferns, woodland flowers, shrubs, vines and trees will be for sale at the 22nd Annual Friends of the Arboretum Native Plant Sale on Saturday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Experts are available at the sale to answer your questions, and plant care sheets for each species are available to take home.

Our experts can advise you on:
• What plants to include in a rain garden
• How to attract hummingbirds and butterflies
• Species for semi-shady locations
• Native plants for ground cover
• Grasses suitable for smaller areas
• Species for shrub borders

All plants are native to the area, and once established require minimal care. Species are suited for a wide range of growing conditions—sunny or shady, wet or dry, sandy or heavy soils. No plants are dug from the wild.

Some boxes are available at the sale, but we encourage shoppers to bring their own baskets or boxes.

All proceeds from the sale benefit Arboretum programs.

Volunteering at the Native Plant Sale is a great way to learn about gardening with native plants. We welcome new and returning plant sale volunteers. To volunteer on May 6, 7 or 8 phone 608.263.7760.

Donated plants contribute to the success of the sale. If you have native species to donate from your home wildflower garden, contact the Friends office at 263.7760. Soil and pots are available for your donations. Labeled plants can be delivered directly to the wildflower tent on Thursday or Friday, May 6 and 7.

We are accepting orders for native plant mixes, trees and shrubs prior to the sale through March 23. Download a PDF of the 2010 order form with information about the mixes, trees and shrubs we are offering.

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.