Native Plant Starts Sale

Every December the Kitsap Conservation District holds a sale of their native plant starts. The orders generally open on January 1 and the trees, shrubs and plants are usually available for pick up in mid-March. The native plants they offer are an absolute boon to a home gardener as nothing can support the health of a vegetable or flower garden quite like attracting healthy populations of protective insects, birds and other wildlife.

While it has been quite traditional to view all insects and other wildlife in the garden as detrimental, we are learning to view things differently through the lens of modern science and developing organic practices. It is rare in a balanced ecosystem to have one out of control organism. It can be the same in the garden. With better biodiversity comes increasing health of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, pesticides against aphids can also kill ladybugs and herbicides against dandelions can weaken and even kill nearby berry bushes or other important perennial plants.