The dramatic beauty of Pennsylvania’s native plants will be featured in a formal background setting at the Pennsylvania Garden Expo’s “A Garden Party” at the Farm Show complex in Harrisburg, March 8-11.

The 65-foot-by-70-foot exhibit, offered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, will include a fountain crafted from a pine tree adorning the central pool; songbirds and lush native fauna and flora along the water features; conservation concepts, such as rain barrels, composters and more; and a bike and kayak promoting the opportunities available to enjoy the great outdoors in the commonwealth.

“This exhibit offers an inspiring snapshot of what can be created with plants that are native to Pennsylvania,” DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. “Native trees and plants are well suited to our region; they don’t have to be watered as much; and are naturally more resistant to disease and pests.

“From the shed to the table settings, every item in our garden is made in Pennsylvania and many of the items have been made using sustainable materials and practices,” Secretary DiBerardinis said.

Visitors can walk through the exhibit and learn about native plants and wildlife from information provided by DCNR, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, the Game Commission, the Fish and Boat Commission, Audubon Pennsylvania and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

“We’ll be able to let thousands of visitors know how easy it is to help protect our resources by choosing native plants for their yards and gardens,” Secretary DiBerardinis said.

Trees included in the display will include Red and Sugar maples, Service Berry, Riverbirch, American Hornbeam, White Pine and Eastern Redbud. Plants include Wild Columbine and Ginger, Butterfly Milkweed, Cinnamon Fern, Lyre-leaved Sage and Little Bluestem. In the rain garden will be Swamp Milkweed, Cardinal Flower, Eastern Skunk Cabbage and Soft Rush. Shrubs will include Sweet Pepperbush, Winterberry, Pinxter Flower and Arrow-wood.

3/9/2007