Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Berks County, will host its annual Native Plant Sale Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and May 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Visitor Center.

The event, which has a strong educational focus, routinely attracts gardeners seeking to attract more birds and butterflies to their home landscapes, and to reduce maintenance.

For sale will be a diverse selection of native wildflowers, vines, grasses, ferns, shrubs, and trees, in addition to free literature on planting with native species and advice from knowledgeable volunteers.

The term “native plant” refers to a species that occurred naturally in a region before colonists arrived. Non-native plants or “exotics” are species introduced from other countries or regions. Over the past 200 years, several thousand exotic plant and animal species have become established in the United States, and about one in seven has become invasive.

Many exotics leave their natural predators at home and also become invasive, spreading so vigorously that they displace native plants and the beneficial insects and wildlife that depend upon them to survival. Some invasive plants push rare and not-so-rare species to the brink of extinction.

“At Hawk Mountain and in other natural areas, maintaining native species is a major challenge. The Native Plant Sale helps us to teach people about the importance of natives to wildlife, and to help our visitors create native landscapes at home,” says Ryan Beltz, a Sanctuary caretaker who oversees the sale.

Interest in native plant gardening continues to grow, and seasoned and novice gardeners are turning to natives for their low maintenance and durability, as well as their beauty, variety and color.

To help with plant selection, the Hawk Mountain Native Plant Sale will clearly mark all plants into categories and show what plants will thrive in specific conditions. For example, some groups of plants will be labeled “sunny and dry” while others will be marked for “shady and wet” areas.

Beltz also explains that native plants are adapted to local growing conditions, and so come equipped with built-in defenses to common insects and disease. And, since many natives are perennial and return every year, it’s easy for first-time gardeners to create a low-maintenance, low-cost and pesticide free garden that attracts more butterflies and birds.

On both days the Sanctuary also will host live raptor programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., offer free information on native plant gardening, and experts will be on hand to answer questions.

For those who wish to visit scenic overlooks, trail fees cost $6 adults, $5 senior and $3 for children ages 6 to 12. Members are always admitted free, and memberships can be purchased at the Visitor Center or online.

5/13/2013