NP FAQ

2026 FALL NATIVE PLANT PLUG SALE FAQ

HOW DOES THE SALE WORK? It's easy as 1-2-3

1. Pick your plants
2. Write in TAKOMA pickup day and time  OR PETWORTH pick up day and time on the CART page
3. On your pickup date you'll get an email that your plants are ready, and you swing on by. Easy peasy!
   

TWO PICK UP OPTIONS 

TAKOMA - 808 Aspen St NW DC 20012

****HOW TO LET ME KNOW YOU WANT THIS PICK UP OPTION: If you want your plants ASAP, on the CART PAGE there is a note section. You must leave a note there telling me what day and a time window you could come by. 

PETWORTH

(I realize this is a very clunky way to do this and I'm trying to implement this in a more seamless way with the technology I have...alas, my skills are limited!)

WHAT SIZE ARE THESE PLANTS/WHAT IS A PLANT PLUG?

They are very well rooted small plants called 'plugs'. They are about 2x2x5". See image below. With one season of growth (ie by this fall), they are about the size of a one gallon sized plant. 

The above image shows examples of plugs from this sale...so healthy!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLANT PLUGS?

Plants are expensive. Typically a #1 pot (what people call a gallon now) are in the range of $13-20 for just one native plant. (!) This puts native plants out of the reach of many. I don't like that.

The native plugs in this sale cost just $4-5. 

So, if you are a newbie and just want to try one or two to dip your toe in...go ahead, spend $10 and give it a try! Are you an native plant aficionado looking to cost effectively establish larger areas of new plantings without breaking the bank? This sale is for you. Or maybe you just love to try new plants...have at it. Get 5 or 6 to try them and have fun! 

No matter what, at this price, just about anyone can afford a native plant.

HOW MANY PLANTS SHOULD I BUY IF I WANT TO MAKE NEW BED AREAS?

That very much depends on your situation but if you are looking to establish a new area in your yard I recommend starting at 1 plant per square foot. At this spacing many plants will cover the ground densely and block weeds by the end of the season.

WHY DO I HAVE THIS SALE?

I have been planting native plants for over 20 years. I've seen how they perform, both as a beautiful plants but also how they are the way to rebuild our ecosystems. I want to make native plants as accessible as possible to more people. The best way to do that is to bring them almost right to your door in the most affordable way possible.

WHAT IF I CAN'T PLANT THE PLUGS IMMEDIATELY?

It's ok. You can put them in a cool, shady place like under a tree or in a garage. They'll be fine for a few days if you give them plenty of water. BUT...they are small so they dry out fast! Do get them in the ground as soon as you are able. 

If it's going to be more than a few days, in my opinion, the plants are better off in a temporary location in the ground than being kept in a bag. Even if you just put them in a pot with dirt, it's better than being in a bag where the risk of drying out is high. (Take it from me, I've killed a few of these by neglect. Don't let this happen to you!) 

YOUR PURCHASE COMES WITH A GENERAL CARE SHEET

Never planted a plant? It's OK! I've been there.

So every purchase comes with a 'what do I do next!" general care sheet. It'll point you in the right direction for how to get these plants to grow.

TAG YOUR PLANTS

I strongly recommend this! Don't have plant tags, my Mom used to make them out of cut up yoghurt containers. Pro tip: write labels with pencil! Sharpie markers fade in the sun.

WHAT'S IN THE SALE?

I carefully select plants that are native or native cultivars. I make sure to cover a lot of situations from full sun and dry to full shade and wet. There's something for everyone. Many of the varieties are unusual or harder to get. There's always something fun to try. I lean heavily on plants that I grow in my dry DC garden that is mostly part sun to shade. For my DC peeps, if it can grow in my soil, it'll likely grow in yours. For my Maryland plant friends, I know you have a lot of moist shade, so I've got you covered too!

In general, I focus on tough, no fuss, attractive performers. I want everyone to have success with these plants!

DO I PERSONALLY GROW THESE PLANT PLUGS?

No. I order from reputable wholesale growers who do a much better job of growing healthy, well rooted, ready for you to grow plants than I ever could. Their high quality plants have always grown well for me and they should grow well for you too!