Learn to Plant a Native Garden Through the Plant Dane Native Plant Program And Rain Garden Workshop

February 11, 2019
Christal Campbell, Stormwater Education Coordinator, 608-224-3746
Land & Water Resources

Learn to Plant a Native Garden Through the Plant Dane Native Plant Program And Rain Garden Workshop

Madison, WI—Dane County and the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership are now accepting plant orders for their 15th annual Plant Dane Native Plant Program. The Plant Dane Program provides native plants to schools, non-profit organizations, municipalities, and residents in Dane County for a fraction of the normal retail cost.

Not only are native plants beautiful, but they provide important ecosystem services such as habitat for local wildlife and improved water quality. Native plants can act as sponges, helping rainwater soak into the ground and preventing polluted stormwater runoff from reaching area lakes, rivers, and streams.

Participants will be able to choose from more than 40 native plant species including butterfly, prairie medicinal, and rain garden kits. Plants are $2.25 each, and all species must be ordered in multiples of four. Donations to purchase native plants for specific community and school projects will also be accepted through Plant Dane this year. Program details are available at www.ripple-effects.com/plantdane. All orders must be received by March 20th, 2019.

In addition to the Plant Dane Native Plant Program, a Plant Dane Rain Garden Workshop will be offered on Saturday, February 23rd. Native plants can be used to create attractive gardens that reduce lawn-maintenance time and costs. By building a rain garden with native plants, more stormwater runoff can be captured.

Cost for attending the workshop is $10, which will be held at the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department Building (5201 Fen Oak Dr., Madison). The workshop will include exercises, demonstrations, and resources to guide participants through the process of site and plant selection, sizing, and site preparation. Information on installation and maintenance will also be provided. Experts will be on hand to help participants design a plan tailored to their site. For more information or to register visit www.ripple-effects.com/plantdane.

###