Hudson County's Biggest Native Plant Sale Now Oct. 23 In North Bergen

SECAUCUS, NJ — Postponed to Sunday, Oct. 23: Oct. 23 will be the Native Plant Society of Hudson County's biggest native plant sale of the year.

The native plant sale will be from 10:00 am. – 2:00 p.m. at James J. Braddock Park/Nature’s Park Café & Eatery at 5 Lakeside Dr. South in North Bergen.

They will specifically be selling plants, flowers and seeds that thrive in Hudson County soil and will attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators to your garden!

Did you know that October is the best time to establish new plants in your garden?

“Fall is the best time of year to plant,”said co-leader Lorraine Freeney. “The air is cooling but the soil is still warm and plants can establish strong root systems before winter sets in and without having to deal with the stress of summer heat. Providing access to native plants in this quantity is especially important this fall. We had such a drought this year and many wildlife gardens have struggled."

Two highly regarded native plant nurseries, Toadshade Wildflower Farm and Pinelands Direct, will have booths at the sale and will be selling a diverse selection of native plants for sale. Check their websites www.toadshade.com and www.pinelandsdirect.com for information about arranging a pre-order.

"Between Toadshade Wildflower Farm and Pinelands Direct, there will be a wide selection of species for people to choose from," said NPSNJ Hudson County Chapter and Rutgers Environmental Steward Kim Correro. "What’s more, gardeners will have an opportunity to talk up close with owners Randi Eckel and Tom Knezick about native plants, which makes this event extra special. We will be giving a native plant starter basket away from each nursery that includes a Spear Head Spade shovel for easy digging. All people have to do to enter is show up on Saturday."

It's always best to plant native to the area as they are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. This means whatever you buy at the plant sale this Saturday has the best chance of thriving in your garden.

These important plant species provide nectar, pollen and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, wintering birds and other animals.

Here is a list of native plants that grow well in Hudson County:

Eastern Red Columbine
Golden alexanders
Swamp milkweed
Brown Eyed Susan
Purple Coneflowers
Great Blue Lobelia
Red Cardinal Flower
Wild Geranium
Jacob’s ladder
Joe Pye Weed
Blue False Indigo
Foxglove Beardtounge
New England Asters

The Hudson County chapter of NJ's Native Plant Society lives by its mission to make native plants more accessible and to educate the public about their critical role in our ecosystem.

“The nearest access that Hudson County residents have to native plants is at least 45 minutes away by car," said Dawn Giambalvo. "Our chapter doesn’t profit from these events, it’s about providing access and information to people who otherwise wouldn’t have it. It's also about introducing the plants to the general public, so they can become familiar.”

Other highlights of the fall sale include a demonstration from the Community Compost Company, a Spear Head Spade shovel giveaway and a live Latin jazz performance. From 2:00–3:00 p.m., folks will have an opportunity to attend the first live recording of the popular podcast "Native Plants Healthy Planet" with hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick. They will talk with Dr. Randi Eckel, President of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, about her favorite native plants. This will take place inside the Nature’s Park Café & Eatery. Tickets are free but seating is limited so people are encouraged to register in advance https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nkMih3PyUFnv31VSf7Fr-V9vNBE4XORq5uwsZIGaKMw/viewform?edit_requested=true

For more information about how you can become a member of the NPSNJ Hudson County Chapter for $20 per year visit npsnj.org or email hudson@npsnj.org