By Amy DiPalma, Brianna O’Halloran & Megan Stypulkoski NPSNJ Morris County Chapter Leaders
Spring fever comes early for gardeners, and if you’re one of the growing number of Americans interested in native plants for your garden, you’re in luck! The Morris County chapter of the Native Plant Society of NJ has launched a free native seed library. Nestled right inside the Boonton Holmes Public Library, the seed library offers an extensive collection of native, open-pollinated plants that are harvested locally and are suited to a variety of growing conditions.
The rapid urbanization of Morris County combined with the spread of invasive species has been detrimental to our native flowers and the many animals who depend on them. Adding native plants to your garden is an impactful way to help bolster biodiversity loss. Not only do native plants provide food and shelter for pollinators, but they have deep roots that prevent soil erosion, reduce stormwater runoff, and increase drought tolerance. Many are perennial and will continue to delight your gardens year after year.
There are many benefits to going native in your garden, so be sure to stay up to date on our upcoming educational events by following @npsnj_morris on social media, or be the first to know by becoming a member of the Native Plant Society at www.npsnj.org and signing up for our newsletter. Upcoming events include winter sowing, winter tree identification, and more!
Now is the time to sow your native seeds. The Boonton Holmes Public Library is located at 621 Main St, Boonton NJ. Be sure to visit during their open hours. Please take no more than three packets per visit, and only take what you will grow.
Free seed libraries in:
Boonton Holmes Public Library
Kinnelon Public Library
Parsippany Library
Library of the Chathams
and Denville Public Library!
