Huge Plant Sale In Essex County: Help Build A ‘Pollinator Pathway’ – Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of a Patch community member. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Thousands of native plants ready to lure butterflies, birds and bees to your yard or patio will be available from April 22 to 24 at Morgan’s Farm, 903 Pompton Avenue (Route 23) in Cedar Grove.

The organic farm, part of the nonprofit Cedar Grove Historical Society, is hosting its second annual native and perennial plant sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. those days, and some species are already available for pre-order at the website.

The farm is building on the success of its inaugural sale last year, stocking more than 50 varieties of plants and bushes, grown locally and pesticide free, at great prices.

And this year’s timing could not be better. In nearby Montclair, an ordinance under consideration by the Township Council would set a goal that 70 percent of all new plantings on public properties be native to New Jersey. The sale at the farm ensures that these plants are nearby and very affordable.

Pollinators like bees and butterflies play a huge role in biodiversity, in preserving our climate and even in the foods we eat. Most people recognize the beautiful monarch butterfly that comes to visit us here in summer and early fall before heading to Mexico for the winter, but not everyone is aware that they can help to preserve this very threatened creature.

Adding just a few host and nectar plants to their yard or even in pots on the deck can add to the “pollinator pathway” and help to make a difference in the fight against climate change. Monarchs (as well as birds and bees) will have a place to lay eggs, fuel up and do what we need the birds and bees to do to sustain our planet.

John Ostering, the farmer running the program, has made it easy for anyone to get started in even the smallest of spaces. A monarch kit ($20) has plants and seed balls containing milkweed, the only plant on which monarch mamas lay their eggs. Included are instruction sheets and tips as well as information on the flight patterns of this amazing insect.

For larger projects, bulk purchases are available.

Dozens and dozens of plants will be ready at prices starting at $3. Area residents can shop local and save on supply chain headaches and costly shipping that only further increases our carbon footprint. Sale hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from April 22 to 24 at the farm.

For more information, check out morgansfarm.org, or contact Ostering at johnostering@yahoo.com, 973-865-7398.

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