One of the missions of the Leelanau Conservation District has always been to encourage the utilization of native plants that are “pre-adapted” to this area’s growing conditions. Our spring seedling sale is mostly dormant trees and shrub seedlings. In June, we have a sale of “forbs” (mostly non-woody plants) that would not even be out of the ground earlier. They are ready to plant as you get them. Planted in the right location they will require only water. With our dry spring/summer conditions of late, water frequently. These plants as the seedlings you planted this spring will not need fertilizer in 2008. If in 2009 after the leaves push out they appear weak, you could add compost or other fertilizers. But keep watering.
The sale in June will contain many of the plants we had in 2007. They are all Michigan native plants. Some plants may not be identified as growing in Leelanau County, but will do as well here as they would in southern Michigan. As these plants provide food and habitat for insects, birds, and mammals they may in time show a little activity from our four and six-legged neighbors. Also, for stretching the flowering and food availability this selection provides plants that will bloom from first green up until frost. For the best selection for your property call us or talk to Vern or Sue when they come in June.