We provide the curious with information on planting natives, advocating for critters, developing pesticide free landscapes, and identifying invasive aliens. An equally essential part of our mission is to assist Mid-Atlantic region gardeners in locating native plant nurseries and plant sales. Gardeners have a choice when purchasing landscaping plants… we shout Choose Natives!
When I began my gardening journey, I planted what every other homeowner found at their local garden center. I’d vaguely heard about native plants but didn’t understand why I should choose them. It was only after hearing entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy speak that I learned I was doing it all wrong! I wasn’t supporting a single living thing with the introduced ornamental plants I was installing. Coddling lots of lawn didn’t help, either...
DNREC and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays host an annual Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale at the James Farm Ecological Preserve, in Ocean View. The Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale, which started in 2019, is free and family-friendly. It features “feet-wet, hands-dirty fun,” outdoor recreation and educational opportunities, multiple exhibits, food trucks, and a native plant sale. Organizations and nonprofits will be at James Farm the entire span of the festival so attendees can take their time exploring activities and exhibits. Local plant nurseries will be there to answer questions on the importance of native species and will have a variety of native plants for sale to the public. Educational exhibits will help people explore environmental topics such as seagrass, shellfish, waves, beaches, wetlands, tax ditches, rain gardens, and more.