For more than 20 years, veteran and novice gardeners alike have anticipated this rare opportunity to purchase plants from a huge selection of native plants, hard-to-find herbs and well-adapted plants at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s annual Spring Plant Sale. This year, the Heard will provide some of the best plants for North Central Texas gardens and an opportunity to obtain many rare plants.
The plant sale will be open to the public on April 18th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 19th from 1 10 5 p.m. A Heard Museum Member Pre-Sale will be offered on April 17th from 4-7 p.m. The Member Pre-Sale is open to Heard Museum members only; however, memberships will be available for purchase at the event.
There are a number of benefits to using native plants in landscaping. The Texas Water Development Board indicates that 43% of the state is currently in moderate to exceptional drought. Using these plants that are naturally suited to Texas’ hydrologic issues is an excellent way to reduce reliance on supplemental watering. Many of the native plant species are also better suited to Texas’ climate and provide food sources and habitat for many kinds of wildlife.
This sale will also feature a limited number of native milkweed plants available for purchase. Milkweed is the only larval food source for the Monarch butterfly. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services estimate that their population has plummeted by 90% over the last 20 years. Planting milkweed to help feed Monarch butterfly caterpillars and planting native flowering plants (also available at the sale) to provide nectar for the adults are two ways in which individuals can help to restore the Monarch butterfly population.
All sales are tax free and proceeds from this fundraising event benefit Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bringing nature and people together. Guests are welcome to bring carts or wagons to facilitate their purchases. More information available at www.heardmuseum.org/plantsale.
About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard. Miss Heard was 80 years old when she saw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation. For more information, visit heardmuseum.org.