Native plants will be available from local vendors. Event is free.
Bring the family, hike Strawberry Hill Arboretum or visit historic Squire Boone Cabin.
“Don’t miss the display of unique spring flowers rarely seen,” said Andrew Jenkins, board member of the Gardens and curator of the ASU Herbarium.
Dr. Annkatrin Rose, Blue Ridge Chapter Chair for the NC Native Plant Society and board member of the Gardens mentioned that her favorite garden spring wildflower is Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata). “They will likely be in bloom right next to the Gatehouse during our sale and they are such a wonderful easy-care groundcover providing much needed food for pollinators in early spring.“
The gardens contain more than 200 species of native plants, many of which offer the best display of color during spring. High Country Audubon chapter President Debbie Shetterly suggested that many native plants are perfect for attracting birds and pollinators.
Plants Native to NC that will be offered
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) – native to NC but not the mountains, wetland shrub
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – native to NC, attracts hummingbirds
Crimson Beebalm (Mondarda didyma) – native to NC, attracts hummingbirds, used for tea
Dense Blazingstar (Liatris spicata) – native to NC, attracts pollinators especially butterflies
Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) – native to NC but not the mountains, blooms late spring to early summer
Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) – native to NC, attracts pollinators
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) – native to NC, blooms in shade
Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) – native to US, range depends on species, attracts pollinators, edible
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – native to NC, blooms late summer to fall
Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) – native to NC, attracts hummingbirds
Tall Bellflower (Campanula americana) – native to NC, blooms in shade
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – native to NC, attracts pollinators, medicinal uses