Did you know 2024 is the first year both the house and senate passed resolutions declaring April as National Native Plant Month? Pretty cool! You can see your state's proclamation, and more information on this legislation at https://nationalnativeplantmonth.org/ So what does this mean for us? It means people and organizations can celebrate native plants by planting natives, hosting educational events, removing non-native invasive plants, and restoring areas with native habitats to allow birds, bees, butterflies and all wildlife to flourish.
We have amazing opportunities to support native plants in our community. I recently attended a kick off event for Shepherdstown to seek Bee City USA status. This new organization will focus on increasing the abundance of native plantings in the community and educating folks on pollinators. For more info you can email shepherdstownbeecity@yahoo.com Another option is to join the Potomac Valley Audubon society for a wildflower walk or to volunteer as a "weed warrior" to help remove invasives in four preserves they maintain in the Eastern Panhandle. Shepherdstown Library also needs "garden stewards" to help with planting and maintaining a beautiful native garden.
What natives are you celebrating this month? I've pictured three of my favorites: wild geranium (geranium maculatum), Robin's plantain (erigeron pulchellus var Lynnhaven's Carpet), and wood poppy (stylophorum dyphyllum). These three natives are deer and drought resistant and provide ground cover and spring beauty. They do it all! These plants and many more will be at my plant sales this May! Visit birdsnestnatives.com for details and an updated list of plants.
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