Why native plants?

Native plant species support the “circle of life” in New Jersey’s ecosystem. From nourishing the local wildlife, microbes to butterflies to hummingbirds, these plants provide a much-needed habitat for New Jersey fauna.

As we have previously, we are offering fresh, organic herb plants, a selection of heirloom tomato plants, and a selection of organically grown vegetables!

Please feel free to browse the website using the navigation tabs above. When you have selected your plants, please refer to the “Order” section for instructions and a downloadble order form. All order forms must be submitted to the office by April 25, 2012.

Rain Gardens 

Rain Gardens are the theme of Sprout House’s Native Plant Sale this year to highlight our funding of Chatham Borough’s new rain garden at Memorial Park. The garden will capture run off of rainwater from the roof of the pool house.  Rain gardens infiltrate water back into the aquifer rather than having it run into the storm sewers and out to sea. In addition, since the plants in the new garden will be native, it will provide habitat for local wildlife.

Site for new Rain Garden at Memorial Park

Selections in the Sprout House plant sale are based on both the Memorial Park rain garden, which is in a sunny rain location, and a rain garden in a shady Chatham backyard.  This backyard rain garden was designed by Mary Keselica, former Sprout House parent and current President of the Town and Country Garden Club. Note that since a rain garden has dry border areas, the Sprout House Native Plant sale offers something for every yard—wet, dry, sun, shade!

Below is a link to the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. It has the definitive New Jersey rain garden manual and great information about gardening with native New Jersey plants to attract wildlife. The Native Plant Society of New Jersey

Rain Garden plants by zone. Click to enlarge.

Ready to get started on your own rain garden?  Then check out the Rutgers Rain Garden Manual for pointers and guidance on plant selection. A PDF version is also available here: Rain Garden Plants by zone.

Thank you for supporting Sprout House!