Landscape Revival: Native Plant Expo and Market

Landscape revival logo The Landscape Revival — Native Plant Expo and Market offers gardeners one convenient location to shop for Minnesota native plants from 12 local native growers and learn how to use the plants from eight conservation organizations. Accessory products such as organic compost, rain barrels and native plant seed will also be for sale. The goal of Landscape Revival is to promote the use of native plants by educating about their benefits for wildlife habitat, pollinators and water quality. The event is sponsored by Saint Paul Audubon Society, Wild Ones and Blue Thumb.

Why natives?

Plants considered “native” to Minnesota are ones that were present during the time of the Public Land Survey which began in 1847. These plants have been growing and adapting to Minnesota’s particular conditions for a very long time and because of this, they seldom need watering, mulching or protection from frost once they’re established. Minnesota gardeners like the easy care of natives, but these plants also provide a buffet of nectar, pollen and seeds for insects, butterflies and birds. With 30% of our food dependent on pollinating insects (think tomatoes, almonds, blueberries, broccoli and apples, to name a few) gardeners can help shore up dwindling pollinator habitat by planting a diversity of flowering plants and shrubs. “We’ve made survival difficult for wildlife by taking up so much of the natural world with human development,” said Val Cunningham, local nature writer and bird enthusiast. “It’s time to start looking at our landscapes as mini-wildlife refuges by planting native plants — our yards can be beautiful and support the natural world at the same time.”