When Larry and Deanna Vitner bought their new home in Demotte last year, they found quite a few attractive native trees and plants on their two acres. Destined to become avid gardeners, the couple attended the recent, 17th Annual Native Plant Sale at Gibson Woods.
“Were still new at this, but we thought it would be a good idea to add the same type of greenery to what we already have,” Larry Vitner said. “We’ve recently become aware of the popularity of planting things found in the wild.”
The low maintenance required of natives is one of the reasons many people are starting (or continuing) to use this type of greenery found naturally. Less water is needed and no fertilizer is required for natives to thrive, according to the Wild Ones organization, who sponsored the event.
“They also are host to butterflies and pollinators,” said customer Lydia Peterson of Hammond. “They are truly wonderful for the environment.”
Since the Gibson Woods nature center building cannot accommodate a large crowd, visitors to the recent sale were escorted 8-to-10 at a time by Wild Ones member Nanci Mahan to keep the flow smooth and orderly.
Mahan has served as official door greeter since the sale’s inception 17 years ago.
“Each year, this sale gets bigger and today is no exception,” she said, as struck up conversations with those waiting to enter. “There hasn’t been a lull since we opened at 9 a.m., and they’re still arriving.”
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Linda and Dale Campbell arrived shortly after the doors opened. The Portage couple was amazed at the long line of customers they found wrapped around the building.
“This is our first time at this sale, we had no idea it would be so crowded,” Linda said, as she talked with others in line. “But we decided to wait our turn like the others. I figured it must be something good if this many people were here.”
After a 45-minute wait, they saw that it was.
Once inside, the Campbells found more than 100 species of flowers, grasses, sedges, ferns, shrubs and trees — including those suited for prairie (full sun), wetland, shade, and woodland settings — available for sale.
One of the first customers to enter the sale room was Phyllis Warsen, a volunteer from Sand Ridge Nature Center in Calumet City, Ill.
“I’m looking to fill in an area by the back of our garden at the center; and also for my own garden at home” she said, as she discussed options with Wild Ones member Linda Cook. “I’m pleased that there is so much here to choose from.”
The traditional White Elephant Sale in the Gibson Woods bird viewing room again was offered during this year’s plant sale. “We have had many generous donations from not only Wild Ones members, but many others as well. There’s quite a bit back here,” said Marilyn Thompson, who has manned the second-hand table for the past 17 years. “All our proceeds from these items go toward food for the birds.”
The Gibson Woods local chapter of the Wild Ones states their goal as educating those in the community about the myriad of benefits received by growing native plants.
“We do this through our annual plant sales, biennial symposiums, participating in many events throughout the area, and by holding meetings throughout the year that are free and open to the public,” member Kim Moor said. “Our meetings usually feature a speaker who educates us about environmental issues.”
For more information, call (219) or visit the group’s website at gw-wildones.org.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.