Submitted by San Juan County.

Do you dream of creating a wildflower habitat in your backyard? Are you looking for sustainable landscaping to support pollinators and other wildlife?

Mark your calendar for the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank’s Fall Native Wildflower Sale. Buyers can reserve plants online Sept. 14-19 and pick them up on Saturday, Oct. 4 on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez islands. Plants are produced locally by the Salish Seeds Project, a joint program of the Land Bank and the San Juan Preservation Trust.

Over 20 species of local, native wildflowers will be available, including blue-eyed grass, Canada goldenrod and Douglas aster. Most plants are in biodegradable pots that can be planted. Limited numbers of bulbs, including camas, chocolate lily and Hooker’s onion, will also be featured. Pollinator Garden Kits are back by popular demand. These kits are an economical option for creating a 100 square foot native flower garden with pre-selected plants, seeds and instructions.

An advanced guide to the sale is available now on the Salish Seeds Project webpage (accessed through the Land Bank’s website at sjclandbank.org). When the sale opens online at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, look for the purple “Wildflower Sale” tab in the website’s menu bar.

For anyone seeking tips on gardening with native species, the Land Bank has produced a helpful guide, “Growing Native Wildflowers in the San Juan Islands.” It’s available in digital format on the Salish Seeds project webpage, or pick up a printed copy for free at the Land Bank’s Friday Harbor office.

The price per plant offsets the cost of production, allowing the Land Bank to provide this community service. Quantities are limited, so shop early to avoid disappointment.