Plant sale, Arbor Day events on tap

The Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society will host its annual Native Plant Sale on Saturday, June 3.

The sale will take place at Lakeview Park at the entrance to the North Idaho Native Plant Arboretum on S. Ella Avenue. The much-anticipated event starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until all the plants are gone or 1 p.m., whichever comes first.

Cultivating native flora has become more popular as gardeners discover their many rewards, KNPS officials said. Adapted to the ups and downs of the local climate, they noted that native plantings usually require less watering and maintenance. They are hardy and often less bothered by disease. In addition, they provide food and shelter for local birds, wildlife and beneficial pollinating insects, attracting them to area yards, officials said.

The sale features native plants grown by Cedar Mountain Perennials in Athol. There will also be a by-donation coffee and baked goodies table, as well as whimsical yard art, flower note cards and the KNPS book “Landscaping with Native Plants in the Idaho Panhandle.” Experienced native plant gardeners will be on hand to help gardeners make the right choice for their yards.

Near the sale, also in Lakeview Park, KNPS is participating in the city of Sandpoint's Arbor Day celebration. KNPS members will be on hand to share interactive events for kids as well as information about the incredible diversity of our native plants and how they enrich our environment and our lives. Festivities are planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.