If you’re looking to improve your landscape this year, you might be interested in the Clinton River Watershed Council’s River Day native plant sale.  They offer a wide variety of native trees, bushes and plants all of which are well suited to our region’s climate.  This shouldn’t be a surprise because native plants have been around for a long time. 

What are native plants?  Well, native plants are those flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees indigenous to a geographical region of North America before European settlement.  Landscaping in the likeness of nature brings many benefits.   Being naturally suited for an area, native plants require minimal maintenance and watering once established.  Most species are perennial or self-seeding biennial plants, creating floristically diverse areas can attract songbirds and wildlife in search of shelter and food.  Also, native plants often attract insects that prey upon pests, thus decreasing the need for pesticide use. 

All sales are online, and customers can pick-up their plants curbside to help assure safe social distancing.  Many of the popular plants offered at this annual event sell out quickly.  

For more information, visit the Clinton River Watershed Council River Day webpage.

Shawn Keenan, City Planner

Community Development Department