“I think that’s a highbush blueberry, but it’s not marked. Is it?” "I noticed these shrubs marked ninebark are planted in several areas. Do they grow well in both sun and shade?” “Tell me about the Virginia bluebell. Are they hardy? And how come I never see them for sale anywhere?”

 

The questions—and the visitors—just kept coming March 1-8 as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and conservation partners offered some friendly encouragement to “Bring Home the Natives” at the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show.

 

An exhibit—featuring planted trees, shrubs and flowers—invited show-goers to sample the simple beauty of native species and consider them in their spring planting schemes. Four printed planting guides, focusing on growing situations and suggested plantings, were a tremendous hit with the thousands of visitors who passed through the display.

 

“What a great idea! It’s all here,’” said one gardener. “I can see what I can plant; where I can plant them; and, most importantly, I see what they’ll look like when they bloom.”

 

DCNR’s “Backyard Best Bets” were chosen for their potential hardiness in any soil condition, availability in the nursery trade, and wildlife and habitat benefits. Complementing the display was information on invasive species, suggested plantings to draw and benefit birds and other wildlife; and DCNR’s iConserve PA efforts to promote conservation on an individual scale.

 

A variety of exhibit mulches, produced from recycled rubber, glass and other materials, was supplied by Close the Loop LLC of Kunkletown, Monroe County.

 

Also, staffing and informational brochures were supplied by Audubon Pennsylvania. Other display partners included the Pa. Landscape and Nursery Association; Pa. Parks and Forestry Foundation; and Ames True Temper.

 

The Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit helped DCNR launch its iConservePA “Bring Home the Natives.” If you missed the show, you can visit here to sample the same offerings, including four colorful publications about natives (based on site conditions), a listing of places where natives can be purchased, and more.

 

Also, you can visit the planting “wall,” where you’re invited to post a picture of your native plantings and register to win a garden tool prize package worth $400 from Ames True Temper.

 

Also visit the Sustainable Landscapes Conference webapge to learn more about this April 1 conference.   (Reprinted from DCNR's online newsletter Resource)