MC-IRIS Native Plant Sale, September 11—Save the date!
Fall is the best time for planting.
—by Gillian Field
Although we often think of planting in the spring, fall is easily the best season to plant perennials, trees, and shrubs. If planted in late September through early November, these plants will have well-established roots by the time spring comes around, ready in the new season to put lots of energy into above-ground growth.
With this natural cycle in mind, the first MC-IRIS Native Plant Sale will take place Saturday, September 11, at the Switchyard Park, Bloomington. This exciting first-time event is in partnership with the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department.
Many resources are available to explain why we care about native plants and help you transition quickly from non-natives and invasive plants to plants native to our region. Each of us shifting from non-native plants one yard at a time will lay the foundation for a resilient environment now and in the future for both us and wildlife.
To help you design your own native landscape, check out the incredible resource, Switchyard Field Guide 2021. This publication will guide you through a walking tour of native plantings at Switchyard Park in Bloomington.
Bringing native landscaping changes to your yard takes visualization and perseverance, so keep in mind you are part of a much larger group of people who are also learning and adapting their yards to be beautiful and layered in purpose.
Your efforts will create buffer zones for heathy forests, a resilient urban tree canopy, and crucial way-stations for pollinators and migrating birds. Take on the challenge in small ways or large—every bit counts.
MC-IRIS Native Plant Sale, September 11—Save the date! Sale opens at 9am and continues to 3pm or until sold out.
Indiana Native Plants for Sale: grasses, sedges, forbs, shrubs, and trees. Located in the Switchyard Park Maintenance Building, Switchyard Park, 601 S Rogers St, Bloomington. (Enter at the South Rogers entrance. The Maintenance Building is immediately to your right.)
https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/parks/switchyard-park
Gillian Field is a member of MC-IRIS, also known as Monroe County–Identify and Reduce Invasive Species, a coalition of citizens aimed at reducing the environmental and economic impact of invasive plant species in the county.