A diversity of native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants will be for sale along with multiple milkweed species and a selection of plants for pollinators and wildlife at the Illinois Native Plant Society’s popular annual native plant sale, planned for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Reisch Pavilion at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Many popular species sell out quickly, so plan to arrive early for the best selection. It’s not uncommon for 100 people to be waiting for the sale to open.
The plants are grown from local seed sources by chapter members and native plant nurseries. Forrest Keeling Nursery grows trees and shrubs and 3 B Natives Nursery in Pleasant Plains grows herbaceous plants. Starhill Forest Arboretum has long contributed trees and shrubs. Approximately 7,500 plants, including 220 species, were sold at last year’s sale.
A limited number of two different pollinator garden kits will be available, which include 25 plugs and nine different species. The “Short and Showy” kit features plants that will bloom spring through fall. The “Monarch Medley” kit features plants that are most attractive to monarch butterflies, including two milkweed species.
The INPS promotes conservation of native flora and raises public awareness and appreciation of native plants and their habitat. The Central Chapter, founded in 1988, is one of seven active INPS chapters across the state. There are 170 Central Chapter members who share an interest in all aspects of the flora native to Illinois.
“Planting native plants not only benefits the environment and local wildlife but also enhances the beauty of our gardens,” said Trish Quintenz, Central Chapter president. “Adapted to local conditions, they generally require less maintenance, while providing essential food and habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. As native plants continue to disappear from our landscapes, it’s more important than ever to incorporate them into our home gardens and public spaces.”
What began with seeds blossomed and grew. In the early 1990s, the INPS Central Chapter started having informal native seed exchanges among members at the fall monthly meetings. People who wanted seeds but had none to contribute put in a few dollars. That evolved into members exchanging homegrown native plants at spring meetings. The group began offering native plants to the public to educate people and encourage their use.
The plant sale continued to grow and now attracts people from all over the state and beyond. It is one of the largest and most successful public native plant sales in Illinois. Mary Ring is the longtime chair of the plant sale, and about 70 members of the Central Chapter are involved in some aspect of the plant sale each year.
“We’ve gone from a tiny seed exchange among members to an annual public sale featuring thousands of Illinois native herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees,” said Edie Sternberg, grant committee chair. “It’s a win-win. The spring sale promotes the use of native plants, and proceeds from the sale fund projects using native plants.” Since 2002 the group has awarded $69,000 in grants for 75 projects.
Prairie restoration, pollinator gardens, tree planting and native plant gardens at schools and parks are examples of some of the projects made possible through the grant program. Individuals and groups may apply for up to $1,000 for projects that promote the conservation of Illinois native plants and natural communities. There is no deadline for applying, and each eligible application is reviewed within 30 days of receipt. Priority is given to nonprofit groups with projects conducted on public property.
Guy Sternberg is a well-known tree expert who owns and operates Starhill Forest Arboretum in Petersburg with his wife, Edie. He has been involved with the INPS Central Chapter since its founding. Dr. Robert H. Mohlenbrock created the Southern Illinois Native Plant Society at Southern Illinois University in 1982. Sternberg was part of a group that first met in 1986 to expand the organization statewide, leading to the formation of multiple chapters throughout the state.
For more information about the INPS Central Chapter and other chapters, upcoming plant sale, grant opportunities and how to get involved, visit https://www.illinoisplants.org/central-chapter/.
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This article appears in Home and Garden.
