Before you know it spring will be here and it will be time to plant trees, shrubs and flowers. This year, Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District is offering tree seedlings and wildflower seed packs.
One recommendation is to plant 70% native plants. The reason is because insects have evolved with native plants and need them for host plants to lay their eggs. This is important because caterpillars are important food source for wildlife. Birds feed between 600 and 800 caterpillars to their young. Nonnative plants offer no ecological services to insects, causing a lack of food for bird species.
A great website to learn more about the benefits of native flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs is the National Wildlife Federation Plant Finder. For example, oaks offer 477 species of moth and butterflies a place to lay their eggs. Goldenrods are the number one flower with 122 species using the plant as a host.
If you are looking for native plants, the Ohio Native Plant Month website has a list of retailers in Ohio that offer native plant varieties. Some growers will ship to your house but order early. Greenhouse growers will start growing their plants soon.
To order online go to www.lickingswcd.com/for-sale-or-rent/online-store.html. You will list Fayette County as your county for pickup. The deadline to order is March 22. Pick up will be April 16.
If you would like a form emailed or mailed contact Brigitte Hisey at [email protected] or call 740-636-0279.
