Once Dismissed As Weeds, Native Plants Are Flying Off the Shelves
Native plants are gaining popularity among gardeners, with a significant increase in demand observed in recent years. The Kilbourn Park greenhouse in Chicago reported record attendance at its annual plant sale, with nearly 20% of the plants being native species. This shift is attributed to growing awareness of environmental issues and the benefits of native plants for local ecosystems.
- ▪The Kilbourn Park plant sale attracted over 2,300 shoppers this year, breaking previous attendance records.
- ▪Nearly 1 in 5 plants sold at the sale were native species, reflecting a growing demand for these plants.
- ▪Native plants are recognized for their low maintenance and resilience, making them increasingly popular among gardeners.
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freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: "motherjones_right_rail_1", slotId: "ROS_ATF_300x600" }); Homeowner Amanda Nugent works in her native plant garden in Wilmette, Illinois.Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/ZUMA Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily. This story was originally published by Grist in partnership with Chicago Public Media, and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Renee Costanzo cranked on the rusty pulley with both hands, watching the greenhouse roof creak open in sections. A breeze of spring air swept over 12,000 seedlings lined up in plastic trays in the Kilbourn Park greenhouse.
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