Native plants for hummingbirds, butterflies to go on sale at Beechwood Farms

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania will open its Native Plant Nursery at Beechwood Farms in Fox Chapel with sales and special bundles of plants to attract butterflies and hummingbirds from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The nursery will remain open throughout the planting season.

For opening day on Saturday, staff will be on hand to help visitors choose the right plants for their gardens. The nursery offers a variety of sun and shade plants.

There are many advantages to incorporating native plants into your garden, according to Rachel Handel of Audubon.

“Gardening with native plants is one way to do your part in preserving our local environment,” she said.

“As more native plants are planted in our region, we create a connected “flyway” through which birds, butterflies and pollinators have safe places to stop and refuel,” Handel said.

Additionally, native plants support pollinators and birds by providing food and shelter, help keep local waterways clean and support healthy soil.

Unlike “big-box store” plants, native plants are adapted to local conditions, so they’re relatively easy to grow and do not require pesticides or fertilizers.