Around Winnetka lately, even a casual observer will see that a transformation is taking place in people’s personal landscapes. More and more homeowners are converting parts of their yard to native plants. Native plants provide habitat for the insects, birds, and pollinators that are integral to our ecosystem. But they’re also important to effective stormwater management, as they have deeper and more extensive root systems that prevent erosion and provide extra filtration. Since natives also require little to no fertilizer or chemical applicants, both of which can harm water ecosystems, they’re also superior for improving water quality.  

And bonus: native plants thrive in our Midwest climate with little encouragement. From the milkweed that is vital to the Monarch butterfly’s life cycle to the pollinator-friendly purple coneflowers that provide color virtually all summer long, native plants are beautiful and beneficial at the same time. 

So don’t put your trowels away for the season quite yet, because fall is an ideal time to plant native plants for them to thrive next summer. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or looking to begin, Go Green Winnetka’s fall native plant sale will provide you with the plants and information you need to create your very own native garden, pollinator habitat, and more. The sale will be an in-person event, with no pre-orders. A list of available plants will be provided closer to the event on gogreenwinnetka.org. Cash, check, Zelle, PayPal, or credit cards will be accepted.