by Grow Northwest

Erosion control, ground cover, shrubs, deciduous trees, conifers, pollinators, fall colors, winter berries, and more! Plenty of choices await you at the local Conservation District Native Plant Sales. Perfect for early spring planting, these plants are Puget Sound and/or Western Washington natives. Here’s a look at what’s coming up, and when you can start placing your early orders. The sale days will also have plenty of plants available (however get there early as options may go quickly), and visitors can also meet with local vendors and community organizations. See respective websites for full plant listings and order forms.

Blue elderberry. Photo by Skagit Conservation District

Whidbey Conservation District

whidbeycd.org 

The Plant Sale will be Saturday, Feb. 29 at Greenbank Farm, 765 Wonn Rd., Barn A, Greenbank. Orders for over 30 species of native plants are currently being accepted through Jan. 31; plants will also be for sale on Feb. 29. Most plants are sold as bare root in bundles of five. Ground covers are sold in small pots (4”-6”). Orders will be packed and ready for pick up at the Pick-Up/Open Sale Day on Feb. 29.

Whatcom Conservation District

whatcomcd.org 

The Whatcom Conservation District’s 27th annual Native Plant Sale will be Saturday, March 28. More than 40 tree and shrub species are available at the sale. Visitors can also meet with community organizations, resources, local growers, and more in the vendor area. The sale runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Campus of Whatcom Community College, Bellingham. This year, pre-orders will only be done online through www.whatcomcd.org/plant-sale. Pre-orders must be received by March 16.

Snohomish Conservation District

theplantsale.org

The Snohomish Conservation District Annual Plant Sale will be Saturday, March 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. Pre-orders are open now (www.theplantsale.org) and will close Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, or while supplies last. All orders must be picked up at the Plant Sale that Saturday. Additional plants will be available at the sale. Contact the office at 425-335-5634 ext. 4 or email scdplantsale@snohomishcd.org  with any questions related to the sale.

Also, the 3rd Annual Youth Art Contest is accepting submissions on Monday, March 2 through Friday, March 13. This year’s theme is Restoration Through Time. Categories are pre K-K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. One entry per child,  and artwork must not exceed 16” by 20.” Must be a Snohomish County or Camano Island resident to register.

San Juan Master Gardeners

extension.wsu.edu/

The San Juan Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale is Saturday, March 28 at the SJI Fairgrounds. Orders should be picked up at the following locations: for San Juan Island – San Juan Island Fairgrounds; for Orcas Island– Orcas Island Grange; and for Shaw and Lopez – Sunset Builders. For pre-orders visit MGFSJC.org.

Skagit Conservation District

skagitcd.org/native_plant_sales

The Skagit Conservation District Plant Sale will be Saturday, April 4 at  16564 Bradley Road, Bow. Orders are being accepted now, and will require pick-up on Friday, April 3. For more information on purchasing plants for projects, contact Joe at joe@skagitcd.org or 360-428-4313 ext.10203.

Bare root planting tips and techniques

Are you new to bare root planting? 

Ask questions through your local Conservation District offices or local nurseries! Also check out planting tips from the Washington Association of Conservation Districts at http://www.wacdpmc.org/images/Bareroot_Planting_Guide_Final_May15.pdf. In addition, the Washington Native Plant Society ​and Native Plants of Western Washington groups offer great advice.