|
Central Pa Native Plant Festival and Sale
Thanks to all who made our 2018 Plant Festival on May 5 a success! Between 800 and 1000 people enjoyed a gorgeous day under the trees at our new location - the Boal Mansion in Boalsburg - click here for details.
Mark your calendar for next year - May 4, 2019. For a listing of Plant Sales throughout the state, click here.
Get Involved!Becoming a member of PNPS helps to support our mission of advocating conservation of native plants and their habitats and promote the increased use of native plants in the landscape
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.
Looking for Annual Meeting Committee Members
We are looking for volunteers to help plan and organize the PNPS Annual Meeting in September. Duties involve arranging for speakers, coordinating a location, etc. Please contact Jean at president@panativeplantsociety.org for details. 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.... 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.
Because native plants are adapted to the growing conditions where you live, they are often easier to grow, require less maintenance such as watering, and are less susceptible to challenging conditions than non-native plants. Many Non-native plants are also invasive, and threaten to crowd out our native plant species. Incorporating native plants in your home landscape will encourage birds, pollinators, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Read more. |
In Bloom:Asclepias tuberosa, the butterfly weed or butterfly milkweed, is a perennial forb that is native to much of the United States. Most plants exhibit a bright orange color when they bloom, but plants can also be found in shades of apricot to soft yellow and even into hints of red. It is a member of the milkweed family – Asclepiadaceae. While it may seem quite common due to its expansive nativity, A. tuberosa has been listed as threatened, or of special concern in much of New England. While this plant is toxic to both humans and livestock due to chemicals found within, it is these toxic chemicals that protect Monarch butterflies that eat it. The toxins help them to fend off predators who find them distasteful and deadly to consume. It is a wonderful plant for butterfly gardens and even on the edges of meadow gardens. It works nicely used in the front to mid border of perennial beds where it provides a vibrant splash of neon orange color in July. There has been more interest in its use in the garden and new cultivars are now available from nurseries in various shades.
If you have a favorite plant or photo, send it to webmaster@panativeplantsociety.org for a future publication. Photo and article courtesy of Keppy Arnoldsen Upcoming Events
Mt Cuba Lecture Series - Various programs - click here for schedule.
Check our Complete Calendar for other upcoming events
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.
We are over 3,000 members strong and growing! We accept financial donations by Paypal, credit card or by check. For PayPal or credit card, click the Donate Button above. For checks, please send to our mailing address:
PO Box 807, Boalsburg, PA 16827. PNPS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. |
|
|