KNPS holding annual native plant sale

Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society is hosting its annual native plant sale on Saturday, June 8.

The sale will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be no early sales. The sale will be held in the North Idaho Native Plant Arboretum, between the S. Ella Ave. parking lot and the History Museum, 611 S Ella Ave.

Among the offerings will be a selection of north Idaho native trees, shrubs and flowering perennials professionally produced by Cedar Mountain Perennials in Athol. Quirky yard art, birdhouses, native plant and heirloom vegetable seeds from Snake River Seed Co., and homemade goodies will also be featured.

KNPS officials said experienced native plant gardeners will be on hand to help people choose the best plants for their locations and to answer questions on gardening with plants. "Landscaping with Native Plants in the Idaho Panhandle" will be sold and information will be presented on how to help Monarch butterflies. In addition, there will be a composting demonstration as well as tips on how to compost at home.

"In recent years, more and more gardeners are discovering the many rewards of cultivating our native flora," said Robin Campbell of KNPS. "Adapted to the ups and downs of the local climate, native plants usually require less watering and maintenance. They are hardy and often less bothered by disease. As an integral part of our ecosystem they provide or birds, wildlife and beneficial pollinating insects, attracting them to your yard."

The sale is co-sponsored by the city of Sandpoint.