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Recently there has been a renewed interest around the country in the use of native plants in the landscape. The advantages of native plants include low maintenance, survivability, unique eye appeal, wildlife preservation, and environmental consciousness.

A native plant is defined as a plant that existed in the wild in a particular area prior to the Europeans arrival in the area. A plant is considered native if it originated within 200 miles of a person's location. A wildflower from Missouri would not be considered native to Minnesota. Chisago and Isanti counties are home to a large number of different native plants due to our location between two vegetative zones in Minnesota, our varied soil types and unique ecological areas. This provides the homeowner with a large variety of native plants to choose from.

The Chisago County Master Gardeners have traditionally sold native plants in their spring sale and at the Seegwam Celebration at the Wild River State Park. Plants that have been popular include: prairie smoke, little bluestem grass, Indian grass, blazing star, blue eyed grass, wild lupine, golden alexanders, and various asters. Combinations of these plants can add interest to a landscape.

Recently there has been a concerted effort in Minnesota to preserve and purify our water supplies. Native plants have been found to be a highly efficient way of accomplishing this goal. Shoreline restorations and rain gardens are being installed around the state in order to prevent water contaminated with various chemicals from reaching lakes and rivers thus preventing the growth of algae and other undesirable effects. The rain garden allows water to settle for a short period of time to be filtered by the plants and allowed to replenish the ground water supply. The areas are designed to complete the process in about a 36 hour period thus preventing standing water and mosquito development. The native plants are chosen for their ability to withstand both the moist and dry conditions in the rain garden.

More information on native plants can be obtained from Master Gardener Tom Dickhudt at 651-257-4414. Plant order forms can be obtained from the Master Gardener Extension office.

Seegwam Day will be held at the Wild River State Park May 17 featuring a number of fun activities, in addition to the plant sale sponsored by the Chisago County Master Gardeners and the Friends of Wild River.

You can leave a question for a volunteer Master Gardener any time of day or night at 651-213-8904.

You can also get your question answered on the web at: www.extension.umn.edu/askmg .

To have a class brochure or plant order form mailed to you, call the office at 651-213-8901. Our plant sale is winding down. We are now out of blueberries, strawberries and asparagus.

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