The Friends Plant Sale
Native Plants Featured at the Plant Sale
The Plant Sale will have a great selection of native plants, from several suppliers, in a special area “inside the tent.” Fortunately, we will also have experts from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey- Northern Division to help you select just the right plants for your yard. These experts will be available right next to our native plants! Ask them about the specific needs of the plants you are interested in—they have lots of information to share. They will also be happy to explain why native plants are such a good idea. For example, you might want to discuss the merits of ostrich ferns or royal ferns. Or ask about summersweet—maybe there is a perfect place for this lovely shrub in your garden.
The Native Plant Society will also have general information on growing natives and membership applications if you are interested in joining their group.
Even More Herbs This Year!
Although last year we thought we had all the herbs we could handle, we have even more this year! Basils are “big” this year, with some very exciting miniature varieties, in keeping with our “nana” theme. ‘Magical Michael’ basil sounds fascinating, but so does ‘Minnete Bush’ basil, which would make a pretty and tasty addition to a container planting. But don’t worry, if those don’t sound exciting, we have 11 others, including Thai, lemon, and green pepper. You will probably find something you like.
A “new” herb to the Plant Sale is epazote. The plant is native to Central America and the leaves are used fresh to flavor dishes from fish to vegetables. It has a strong, slightly bitter flavor with a lemony note. If you like cilantro, this might be something to try.
 Lippia dulcis, or Aztec Sweet herb, is quite an interesting herb. Not only are the leaves sweet tasting, enhancing salads and teas, but the plant is also attractive. Planted in containers, it will spill over the edge and produce small flowers. Pretty and tasty—a great combination.
We are especially sweet this year, because we also have stevia, a plant used as a natural sweetener in many foods.
If you are feeling less adventurous, how about a new variety of thyme? Thymes make wonderful additions to meats and vegetables, and can also add a nice twist to teas and lemonade. Spicy orange thyme sounds fun. Or maybe try lime thyme…there are 11 different thyme varieties to choose from, in just the herb section. We have thyme among the Stepables ® groundcovers too!
Check out our herb section for something new.
-- Karin & Marla
Plant Sale Chairs
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