Rare plants, popular plants, knowledgeable gardening advice, habitat improvement for birds and butterflies – you’ll find it all at the Eastside Audubon Pacific Northwest Native Plant Sale on Saturday, April 27, in Kirkland.
Kids crafts and a bake sale round out the day’s program at Kirkland Children’s School, 5311 108th Ave. N.E., in Kirkland. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and open to the public.
On the sale grounds, you’ll find more than 120 plant species arranged in nine areas representing various types of plants, such as ground covers, flowers, and berry producers. Plant specialists and an informative sign for each plant species will help you pick the plants that will enhance your garden and bring in birds and butterflies.
“Locally found birds and butterflies thrive best when they can feed upon the fruits, seeds, flowers and bugs that are found on plants and trees native to the Pacific Northwest,” says volunteer sale manager Geary Britton-Simmons, who has bought, grown, and dug up 4,000 plants for the sale. “A great deal of Pacific Northwest habitat has been replaced with pavement and non-native flora, and now wildlife needs us to restore some of the native plants.”
At the sale you’ll see many varieties that don’t turn up at commercial garden centers: Upland Larkspur, White Fawn Lily, and Black Huckleberry, to name only a few. The find of the day just may be Geary’s Licorice Fern growing on a maple branch. You’ll also be able to pick up popular favorites such as Western Trillium, Woods Strawberry, and Red Huckleberry.
Sale proceeds will fund Eastside Audubon’s work in conservation and education. By helping gardeners recreate native habitat for Pacific Northwest birds and wildlife, Eastside Audubon also supports the National Audubon Society’s long-term, intercontinental program to improve conditions for birds that migrate to and from the Arctic on the Pacific Flyway.
Plants, shrubs and trees will be sold in containers from 4 inches to 5 gallons, and volunteers will be on hand with wheelbarrows to help you handle larger items. Checks, cash, Visa and MasterCard will be accepted.
While moms and dads shop, kids can dig their fingers into the dirt at their own planting station, or make butterflies out of coffee filters and play cookie chess.
For treats, the bake sale will be stocked with home made muffins, cookies, and bars. (Come early before the dirt cups run out!)
Native plant enthusiasts may bring bona fide Pacific Northwest native plants, shrubs, and trees to donate to Eastside Audubon at the sale.
For information, visit www.eastsideaudubon.org or call (425) 576-8805.
