It seems that everyone gets the gardening bug in the spring. While this might be a good time to plant ornamental annuals, plants planted in the spring require watering and fertilizing. Sustainable gardeners in the know choose plants native to western Washington in order to reduce the amount of water and fertilizer required.

Contrary to what most think, the best time of year to plant these native plants is in the fall. Planting natives in the fall during their dormant period ensures plants have time to establish a full root system. This means less watering during the hotter spring and summer months.

To help get the word out about fall planting, the Central Puget Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society will be hosting a Fall Planting Celebration on September 22, 2012, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Magnuson Park in Seattle, Washington. The Celebration will be a fun and educational event:

If you’re interested in purchasing some new plants for your garden, Chapter volunteers will hold a Native Bulb, Seed, and Plant Sale. The end of summer and early fall is the best time of year to collect and sow native seeds. Jeannie Taylor, Retired Seattle Plant Propagator and Senior Gardener, will show how to collect and sow seeds as part of free Plant Propagation Demonstrations.

To address your questions about preparing your garden for the winter, native plant experts from WNPS will be on hand and informational books will be for sale.

Want to see what a successful native plant garden looks like? Volunteers will offer free tours of the Native Plant Border at Magnuson Park.

Native Plants are Beautiful in the Spring…But They Flourish in the Fall

September 22, 2012, 10 am – 4 pm, Magnuson Park, Building 30, Seattle, wnps.wordpress.com