Gardeners are invited to shop the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s popular Native Plant Sale 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 15, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at the DuPage Event Center and Fairgrounds, Gate S3, 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton.
The sale is at the fairgrounds this year due to construction at Mayslake Peabody Estate.
Gardeners can get tips from plant experts as they shop from over 170 different species of native flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. A list is on the District’s website at dupageforest.org/native-plant-sale, but actual inventory will be based on supplier availability, and plants are not restocked each night.
Shoppers can pay with cash, credit card, or check and are encouraged to bring their own boxes and wagons to transport their plants. All proceeds from the sale will support educational programming at the Forest Preserve District.
Representatives from the DuPage Monarch Project, Wild Ones, DuPage County Stormwater Management, The Conservation Foundation, Saving Monarchs, and the Illinois Environmental Council will be at the sale to share ways to support pollinators and sustainable landscapes. Shoppers can buy pollinator-friendly yard signs from Saving Monarchs and sign up to purchase rain barrels from the DuPage County Fair Association. Gardeners who bring their own containers can take home free mulch from DuPage County Stormwater Management, and anyone at the sale on Friday can purchase sweet treats and hot and cold drinks from Cookies With Flavor.
“Our plant sale is a great place to find high-quality native plants and talk one-on-one with experts who can help you choose what works best for your space,” said Anamari Dorgan, director of Community Engagement at the Forest Preserve District. “Whether you’re adding to an established garden or trying something new, our staff can help you choose plants that will thrive and support pollinators.”
All plants originated from seed collected within 100 miles of DuPage County and are free of insecticides containing neonicotinoids, which are harmful to bees and other pollinators. Native plants provide food for pollinators and require less maintenance and water than annuals during the hot summer months. Those with deep roots also help aerate the soil and clean the air.
ABOUT THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF DUPAGE COUNTY
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water, help with flood control, create vital habitats for wildlife, and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health. More than 5.9 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 175 miles of trails, seven education centers, and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter and Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube pages.