Native Plant Fair and Sale
Whether you've tried native gardening before or not, we can help you
succeed with plants, books, demonstrations and anything else you might
possibly need. Join park rangers and plant experts to learn how to save on water bills, beautify your living space, defend
it against fire, and do your part to live greener all through native
gardening. If you would like to be notified by mail of the time and date for next year's Native Plant Fair and Sale, please click the "Contact Us" tab above to send us a quick e-mail with your mailing address.
SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, May 15, 2010
TIME: 8:00 a.m.
to 12:00 Noon
LOCATION: Rancho
Sierra Vista/Satwiwa Parking Lot (off Potrero Road)
Each year the
Santa Monica Mountains Fund and the National Park Service co-sponsor a Native Plant Fair and Sale, generally in late spring.
Surplus native plants are traditionally made available for
purchase, as are
books about native plants from the Western National Parks
Association. Add on ranger talks about native plants, free
brochures and information, helpful displays,
tours of the native plant nursery and the ethno-botanical garden,
and it all combines to make the perfect celebration for the conclusion
of another spectacular wildflower season. This year, there will be
a special planting event at 10:00 a.m. to help restore an area of
parkland while demonstrating native planting techniques.
Most of the proceeds from plant
sales are used to further the broad objectives of NPS native
plant program, which exists largely to aid in wildland
restoration and recovery projects, undertaken by park personnel
and a cadre of dedicated volunteers.
You may wonder why native plants
are available for sale if they're needed for park restoration
projects. One reason is the nursery "over-plants" to guard
against unexpected losses of young plants. Another is that
the seedlings are started well before park specialists know what
specific plants are needed for the variety of rehabilitation
projects the park undertakes. And sometimes, sadly, due to
funding shortages, bad weather or a lack of help, projects get
cancelled. When plants become too big or old, they are
less desirable for field planting. The sale of these
plants helps stabilize the nursery's inventory so that the park
has a reliable and varied supply of optimal young plants ready
for its restoration work.
