Pollinator Friendly Communities are Healthy, Vibrant, Resilient Communities!

 That's why we are celebrating our "Pollineighbors" this weekend at the Patch.

Members of the Pollinator Pathway or the Audubon Pollinator Alliance save 15% on all plant purchases from August 28th - August 30th!

Why all this fuss about pollinators anyway? Well after all, insects truly are the Little Things That Run The World! But it is even more than that. When you create a space that is healthy for pollinators you do so much more. Read on...

In this garden strip at the back of our driveway, perennials offer a dash of strong seasonal color. But the three 'Forest Pansy' Eastern Redbud Trees and towering Native Oaks offer permanent structure and ecological pizazz to the space. Resilient landscapes incorporate plentiful trees and shrubs and fall is the perfect time to get their roots into the warm earth. When selecting trees and shrubs for your landscape be sure to prioritize Northeast Native varieties. Learn more about the importance of Native Plants HERE.

Thank you to everyone who attended the "Powering Biodiversity in the ROW" Program held here on August 13th - it was a who's who of conservation in our little neck of the woods. It was also a great reminder of the need to bring people together to share lessons, challenges, and opportunities to help better steward the places in our care. We are often referred to as a "Garden Center" but we prefer "Habitat Hub"! Our focus is on providing the tools and connections that help build back the diverse habitat that keeps our region buzzing. Here a few photos from the event - see if you recognize any of the special guests. And yes, that is "Prickly Ed" himself giving a planting demonstration as part of the morning's fun. Be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels or check the "Coming Events" page of our website for future happenings.

Key Benefits:

• Tough Growing Conditions: Sweetfern fixes its own nitrogen, allowing it to grow successfully in dry, infertile, sandy, or acidic soils. It is also highly drought-tolerant once established. Grows well in full sun or partial shade.
• Erosion and Slope Control: Its suckering root system helps stabilize loose soil, making it a great choice for banks, slopes, and naturalized areas. It's salt tolerance also makes is appropriate for seaside or streetside plantings.
• Wildlife Value: It serves as a crucial larval host plant for dozens of butterfly and moth species, including the sweetfern underwing moth. Birds eat its fruit, and small mammals use the low shrub for cover.
• Sensory Appeal: The fern-like leaves release a sweet, spicy, herbal fragrance when crushed or brushed against.
• Low Maintenance & Deer Resistance: It resists deer browsing and requires virtually no special care or pest management once it adapts to a site.
• History of Interesting Uses: It has been used as a seasoning and to make tea or other beverages including mulled wine. The tea is thought to help with both digestive and respiratory issues. Infusions and poultices are used for poison ivy and insect bite relief.

Sweetfern below - showing off its fall colors.

And don't forget ... this weekend come visit your "Pollineighbors" on Saturday 8/29 from 11-1. And from Friday 8/28 - Sunday 8/30 Pollinator Pathway and Aududon Pollinator Alliance Members save 15% on all plant purchases including newly arrived Wicked Awesome Plants!

Follow the buzz to Prickly Ed's Cactus Patch Native Plant Emporium. We are the area's top source for native and ecologically beneficial plants - vital tools in building habitat for songbirds, pollinators and wildlife and creating healthier, more resilient and vibrant spaces for people and communities. Read more ABOUT US.