2021 PNPS Facebook Photo Contest
Get your cameras and smart phones ready for the 6th Annual PNPS Facebook Photo Contest. You must be a member of the Facebook group to enter.
To enter, post your photo in the comment section of the Facebook event. We will announce the winner on Facebook on August 6th. The winning photo will be featured on the back cover of our print newsletter PNPS Notes, Fall 2021. All entries will be posted on our website: http://www.panativeplantsociety.org/facebook-forum.html Click here for rules and more details What is a Native?
A native plant is one that occurs naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without direct or indirect human intervention. We consider the flora present at the time Europeans arrived in North America as the species native to the eastern United States. Native plants include all kinds of plants from mosses and ferns to wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
Read more... Why Natives?
Because native plants are adapted to the growing conditions where you live, they are often easier to grow, and less susceptible to challenging conditions than non-native plants. Many Non-native plants are also invasive, and threaten out our native plant species.
Read More.... |
In Bloom:Scarlet Beebalm - Nature’s Fireworks!
Nothing heralds the arrival of summer quite like scarlet beebalm (Monarda didyma). Its crimson flowers and surrounding bracts shoot skyward like colorful fireworks. The vibrant red flowers of this 2-4’ tall plant can be found gracing gardens, parks, and wild areas to the delight of hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and people! Scarlet beebalm is usually grown in full sun when cultivated in gardens but is often found in dappled shade along creeks, open woodlands and thickets in the wild. This member of the mint family blooms from late June to late August, providing a showy display for most of summer. Although the flowers have no scent, the leaves have a lovely minty/herbal fragrance when crumpled. Scarlet beebalm is a valuable nectar plant which makes it a wonderful addition to pollinator gardens. Its flamboyant flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bumblebees. It hosts the larvae of the hermit sphinx, orange mint moth, and the raspberry pyrausta. Monarda species also support several specialized bees. Scarlet beebalm thrives in moist, fertile, acidic, or neutral soil and can form large colonies – to the chagrin of some gardeners and the delight of others! The plants spread by rhizomes and by seed. Removing the flower heads after blooming will reduce spreading by seed. Better yet, if your patch is large enough, collect the seeds and give them to a friend. Make sure you let them know that 2-3 weeks of cool, moist stratification will increase germination. The plant can also be propagated by dividing in autumn or spring every 2-3 years. A major plus for many gardeners is that rabbits and deer don’t usually eat this plant since they don’t like the minty flavor of the stems and leaves. The most common problem of scarlet beebalm is that it is susceptible to powdery mildew. Planting in full sun and far enough apart for good airflow will help prevent or reduce powdery mildew. Now go find the perfect spot in your garden for this beautiful native flower! If you have a favorite plant or photo, send it to webmaster@panativeplantsociety.org for a future publication. Article and photo courtesy of Karen Smith Upcoming Events
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events are being cancelled. Please be sure to double check before you head out to an event.
Check our Complete Calendar for all upcoming events. If your event isn't listed, let us know and we can add them to our Calendar - email webmaster@panativeplantsociety.org. PNPS 2021 Annual Meeting -
Mark Your Calendar!! Saturday, October 16 at Millbrook Marsh in State College. Details to follow. |
Get Involved!
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Membership Dues and Donations
PNPS is committed to supporting programs and events advocating for the use of native plants. Money obtained from memberships and donations go to the following:
We accept donations and membership payments online and by check. Thank you for your support! Membership dues online - please click the Become a Member button to pay through Paypal or with a credit card. Membership by check - Click here for instructions
Donations online - please click the Donate button to pay through Paypal or credit card. For other options, click here. PNPS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. If you would like to learn more please email info@panativeplantsociety.org |
Volunteer - Your help is needed!
There are always opportunities to help, regardless of your level of expertise. Click the button to see what volunteer opportunities area available.
Join our Facebook forum to share photos, events and opportunities related to natives plants and our mission. Our group is closed and you must submit a request to join. We do this to help us keep out spam and maintain this group as a respectful forum for people interested in native plants. You must submit a request and answer 2 simple questions to join, even if you are added by a current member.
We are over 14,000 members strong and growing! Contact Us:For general inquires, email us at info@panativeplantsociety.org Our mailing address is P.O. Box 807, Boalsburg PA 16827
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