New to gardening? Want to plant native species to help our pollinators and other local wildlife?

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards of Lehigh and Northampton counties are selling native plant kits that correspond with small garden designs by Lehigh Gap Nature Center to help take the guesswork out of gardening.

The kits also utilize plant plugs, which offer an inexpensive way to start your garden. Plant plugs are first-year seedlings. With fall planting, the plugs have an opportunity to develop deep roots in native soil and become healthy plants.

The kits will make it easy to install native plants in an already well-thought-out design. If you prefer, you can make up your own design, but many do not feel they are good landscape architects.

Two designs are offered: a mailbox garden (23 plants for $50) and a downspout garden (34 plants for $65). Call the Lehigh County Extension Office (610-391-9840) for an order form. There is a limited quantity available, so be sure to get your order in before the Sept. 5 deadline.

Pick up your plants 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Sept 16 at the Lehigh County Extension Office, Room 104, 4184 Dorney Park Road, South Whitehall Township; Northampton County Extension Office, 4 Gracedale Avenue, Nazareth; or Lehigh Gap Nature Center, 8844 Paint Mill Road, Washington Township.

Why garden with native plants? There are many reasons why people might choose to focus on native plants in gardening and landscaping, including to improve wildlife habitat, maintain and conserve regional plant biodiversity, avoid the introduction of exotic invasive plants, and create an area for pollinators. You can help pollinators, that will in turn, provide the pollination needed to protect our plant diversity and food sources.

Pollination, the transfer of pollen from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the same or another flower, is vital to the food supply. Insects and animals are a key element in facilitating this transfer. One of every three bites of food comes to us by pollinators.

The first step is to provide food for the pollinators. Native plants are the heart of a pollinator-friendly garden. Research shows that native plants are four times more attractive to pollinators than non-natives. Planting natives in your yard will supply pollinators with the nutrition they need to thrive.

Natives are also well adapted to survive in a particular geographic area according to climate, soils, rainfall, and availability of pollinators and seed dispersers. Because they are indigenous to a specific region, native plants usually require little maintenance and are welcomed by wildlife, serving an important role in the local ecosystem. Many native plants also attract beneficial insects which help control pests, creating a habitat for “good bugs.”

“Growing Green” is contributed by Lehigh County Extension Office Staff and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-746-1970.