PRINCETON, N.J. — D&R Greenway Land Trust announces dates for its popular autumnal native plant sale that will soon open to the public in Princeton.
— by Tina Notas
The event will be opened to the public Thursday, Sept. 16, from 5 – 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 17, from 5 – 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 18, from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m., at the Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place in Princeton.
“Fall is an ideal time for planting shrubs and new trees, as they establish strong root systems before winter, well ahead of the stress of summer heat. Significantly, local plants require less maintenance in terms of fertilizer, water and pesticides,” states Director of Land Stewardship for D&R Greenway Tina Notas.
She explains that, the land trust’s Native Plant Nursery specimens are grown from locally sourced starter plants free of nicotinoid insecticides which harm pollinators. Local plants are conditioned to survive regional stresses. Planting natives that evolved locally turns home gardens into habitat.
“Our Nursery, in front of which the sales are held, is an outdoor space. Visitors selecting their plants must wear masks and maintain social distancing,” she states. As in earlier COVID-affected events, D&R Greenway Staff monitors ‘entrance,’ as needed.
D&R Greenway’s Native Plant Nursery availability has over 50 varieties of plants of the region. They are selected for health, for beauty and to provide shelter and food for regional birds, insects and butterflies. Our trees, shrubs, perennial wildflowers, grasses, sedges & ferns are grown either on-site or purchased from reputable nearby native plant growers. Our flora not only support New Jersey’s unique environment, but also D&R Greenway’s preservation and stewardship mission.
Notas reveals her enthusiasm for her very successful Nursery sales, despite pandemic realities:
— by Tina Notas
“We are delighted to open our native plant nursery to the public, so that local gardeners may safely choose our vibrant native flora. Our broad array of plants summons specific creatures dependent upon our unique local ecosystem, in both breeding and migratory seasons.”
An up-to-date inventory is at the D&R Greenway’s Native Plant Nursery’s website: https://drgreenway.org/shop/native-plants/ Available trees and shrubs include oaks, ironwood, delicious local fruiting trees including pawpaw, serviceberry, beach plum; as well as buttonbush, red buckeye, spicebush (earliest spring flowerlets and home of spicebush swallowtail butterfly), witch hazel (which blooms in winter), dogwood and bayberry. Among our native flowers are blue flag iris, mountain mint, goldenrod (this important pollinator plant bears heavy pollen, which falls to the ground, does not travel by air, does not generate allergies), subtle foxglove beardtongue, towering Joe Pye weed and the exquisite blue lobelia.
The Johnson Education Center’s ca. 1900 barn is not currently open to the public though the land trust’s popular preserves and trails remain open for public enjoyment. The land trust has been careful to put practices in place that safeguard purchasers and staff, yet enabling gardeners to enjoy the spring planting tradition.
— by Tina Notas
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BACKGROUND
D&R Greenway Land Trust, an accredited nonprofit, has saved over 21,000 acres of New Jersey land since its 1989 founding. D&R Greenway’s mission is connecting land with people from all walks of life. Preserving land for life and creating public trails grants everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.
The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local, organic food for neighbors—including those in need. D&R Greenway’s strategic land conservation and stewardship combat climate change, protect wildlife, and ensure clean drinking water for future generations.
Our outdoor trails and labyrinth are open. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and www.drgreenway.org to learn about the organization’s latest news and virtual programs. D&R Greenway Land Trust, One Preservation Place, Princeton NJ, 08540. The best way to reach D&R Greenway Staff during the COVID pandemic is by e-mail, or by calling D&R Greenway at 609-578-7470.