Lake County Forest Preserves offers annual native plant sale online

LIBERTYVILLE – The Lake County Forest Preserves is hosting its popular native plant sale online this year.

”For the past 16 years, the Lake County Forest Preserves and Possibility Place Nursery have partnered to host one of the most visited native plant sales in the area,” Director of Education Nan Buckardt said in a news release. “Due to social distancing guidelines, we are hosting an online sale again this year. Your plant purchases will be shipped right to your doorstep. You don’t even have to ‘leaf’ home to purchase native plants.”

Sales of native perennials, trees and shrubs are open through Dec. 31. For details, visit www.possibilityplace.com/order-online.

“Native plants naturally thrive in Lake County’s soil and weather, requiring less time, effort and expense to maintain,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “They also play a critical role in increasing biodiversity – the variety of species living in a particular habitat.”

These indigenous plants help local diversity by providing food and homes to native birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Because of their variety, low maintenance and environmental benefits, native plants have become increasingly popular among professional landscapers and gardeners in recent years.

“As part of our 100-Year Vision and Strategic Plan, we want to engage local residents as conservation partners to enhance the landscape and blur the boundaries between residential and nearby natural areas,” Buckardt said. “Gardens with native plants provide an important bridge. What you do on your own property can make a big difference.”

Key details for easy online shopping:

A minimum purchase of 18 plants in any pint-size combination is required for safe, efficient delivery.

Tree and shrub shipments have begun.

Perennial plants will ship beginning May 15

Additional perennial inventory will be available after April 15. If you see a perennial out of stock during the sale, note that more inventory is on the way.

Tree and shrub inventory will increase in June.

Species are available while supplies last.

“As in previous years, a portion of each sale supports our educational programming,” Buckardt said.

If 18 plants are more than you need to accomplish your garden goals, Buckardt suggests asking a neighbor, friend or family member to split the box. If customers are looking for a plant that is not on the list, other species may be available at the nursery for order by phone at 708-534-3988.

To place an order or learn more, visit LCFPD.org/PlantSale. Not sure where to start with native landscaping? Visit the resources hub at LCFPD.org/buckthorn.