A gorgeous, sunny, spring day greeted the over 700 people who came to the 30th Annual Native Plant Sale & Celebration, March 18th! Smiles were abundant in Pioneer Park last Saturday, as people from across Whatcom County came to purchase native plants and celebrate spring. Similar feelings were shared by the over 300 people who picked up their plants at the pre-order pick up March 17th, at Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association’s campus. Over 37,000 native plants were sold in total last weekend, and we cannot wait to see the new native landscaping across the county. The native plants planted from this event will provide year-round colorful attractive landscaping, help filter run off, save water by requiring less irrigation, provide habitat, and attract native pollinators and wildlife.

“Everyone I came in contact with was very helpful and friendly. I was so impressed with how organized everything was. I will positively return next year and bring my friends along. Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into the Native Plant Sale.” – Native Plant Sale Attendee

The excitement for spring was palpable as a line began to form around the block the morning of the March 18th in-person sale and celebration. Everyone who attended was greeted by smiling staff and cheery vendors, before perusing the selection of native plants available. After purchasing, they could explore the booths of community exhibitors. Sixteen booths were there with experts from across the county and dynamic displays. From native plant experts, to beekeepers, to local agencies, there was something of interest for everyone! Kids enjoyed games, free plants, and hands on activities.

The previous day, over 300 people came through the third annual drive through, pre-order pick up. That day was also sunny and warm, perfect for planting new seedlings.

The drive thru lanes and check-out lines were short and quick, and we received feedback from happy plant sale customers about the exceptional organization of the event, their excitement to plant their new plants, and about how welcoming and helpful the staff were.

“I picked up our Club’s order! Great service, cheery people.” - Native Plant Sale Attendee

“I was impressed, and got some nice tree starts!!” - Native Plant Sale Attendee

“I’m looking forward to getting these [plants] in the ground. Thank you for your hard work.” – Karalee, Native Plant Sale Attendee

If you missed out this year, we will be hosting another Native Plant Sale in 2024. Sign up for our monthly E-News to be the first to know when the 2024 sale begins. Our monthly E-News includes information about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and District news.

Looking for more information on the plants you ordered? See this Plant Description Sheet and click on each species for detailed descriptions!

If you are interested in directions on how best to plant your plants, this guide is helpful. Happy Planting!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for either event and purchased native plants for their landscape! Thank you to the City of Ferndale for hosting the in-person sale at Pioneer Park. Thank you to Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association for allowing us to use your beautiful campus for our pick-up event. Thank you Washington Conservation Corps members, sponsored by Whatcom County and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, for helping to package and load plants. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers, including the volunteers from WSU Whatcom Extension Master Gardeners and Ferndale Rotary club. Thank you Fourth Corner Nursery for donating plants for kids. Thank you to the vendors and exhibitors who joined us for the in-person sale and celebration: Tuxedo Garden, Whatcom County Noxious Weed Program, Washington Native Plant Society, RE Sources, Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Whatcom Land Trust, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Salish Seed Guild, Whatcom County Public Works, Namaste Gardens, Mt. Baker Beekeepers, Washington State Department of Agriculture – Northern Giant Hornets, & Plantas Nativa

For more details about our Annual Native Plant Sale, visit our website at: www.whatcomcd.org/plant-sale