42nd Annual Plant Sale
The Annual Plant Sale Day began as a fundraiser in 1982 by a group of volunteers known as the Friends of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. To this day, volunteers and staff organize a beautiful selection of plant options, promote native landscaping, and organize fun activities. The plant sale continues to raise funds for the Nature Center and unites the community as friends.
As an environmental organization, we understand the importance of native gardening and have positioned this year’s Annual Plant Sale to support our community more ecologically and sustainably. We now offer more opportunities to remove any apprehension or barriers and help you begin a more sustainable gardening journey as you transition to and expand your perennial gardening.
Have a wagon we can borrow for plant sale day? Please contact our welcome desk to coordinate drop off 216-321-5935.
ORDER PERENNIALS ONLINE FOR PICK-UP
March 18–April 5*
Sale opens at 10 AM on March 18
PICKUP at Nature Center May 8 or May 9 | 4 - 6:30PM*
Offerings include a wide selection of natives in various sizes, including trees and shrubs. Minimum order of $50 required. *Orders MUST be picked up on the above dates, no exceptions. Any orders not picked up will be considered a donation to the Nature Center.
GREAT FOR:
Customers who desire larger, more established plants to add to or start their garden.
Customers seeking native trees and shrubs.
MEMBER BENEFIT:
Nature Center members at the Supporter level and above receive early sale access (March 15)
and all members receive $5 off each order.
ORDER PERENNIALS ONLINE FOR DELIVERY
March 18–April 5
Sale opens at 10 AM on March 18
Native perennials and perennial gardens offered for delivery to your doorstep in the month of May. Perennial offerings include predesigned native gardens of various sizes, proven to thrive in northeast Ohio and similar climates. Gardens are designed to work and grow together to have a greater impact on local ecosystems and provide for an array of pollinators. Numerous gardens to shop from forany and all garden conditions and sizes, with a la carte options available. Smaller, less established plant sizes come in 3" cell pots. Shipped in 32 pot trays; minimum order of 8 plants. One-year warranty included.
GREAT FOR:
Customers new to native gardening, those who seek a simple way to transition from annual to perennial gardening, or customers looking to include a beautifully designed native landscape to revitalize a section of yard or garden. Plants suitable for and available to customers in the northeast Ohio and beyond.
MEMBER BENEFIT:
Nature Center members at the Supporter level and above receive early sale access (March 15) and all members receive $5 off each order.
SHOP ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS IN PERSON
Saturday, May 11 | 10AM–3PM
The day of sale combines annuals and larger established perennials for an all-inclusive shopping experience. Experts available to provide planting advice, and curbside loading provided with parking available on nearby streets.
GREAT FOR:
Customers who wish to buy perennials or annuals, flats, edibles, hanging baskets, and ready-to-go pots, and those who enjoy the hands-on shopping experience of exploring and seeing what is available to purchase with experts available for planting and purchasing guidance.
Customers who typically buy annuals at the online sale are encouraged to shop for their annuals at the in person sale this year.
MEMBER PERKS
All Nature Center members are invited to join us for early access on May 11 from 8:30–10AM. Complimentary coffee and pastries. Mingle with fellow garden enthusiasts and get planting advice from our knowledgeable staff and volunteers.
Parking is available on nearby streets and curbside assistance with purchases is provided.
ANNUAL HOMEGROWN SALE
Saturday, June 8 | 11AM–3PM
A stand alone event! Shop native plants and shrubs grown and donated by local gardeners. Depending on supply, annuals may be available as carry over from the day-of sale. 100% of proceeds benefit the Nature Center.
GREAT FOR:
Customers who are unable to attend the in person sale but wish to shop in person for perennials.
Customers who seek a wide variety of established natives that have been lovingly cared for, thrived, and been grown in local gardens.
Late spring perennials to add to your garden for those finishing touches.
MEMBER BENEFIT:
All Nature Center members are invited to join us for early access on June 8 from 10-11AM.
INTERESTED IN DONATING? Clearing out your garden to make room for new plants or doing some spring splitting? We accept natives in various sizes. Contact Tim Kalan to arrange donation and drop off ahead of the sale at [email protected]
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Monday, May 6-Unloading the truck of perennials. Volunteers will be outside and will be lifting plants and placing them in the parking lot. (2.5 hour shift)
Tuesday, May 7-Pick Day-Volunteers will be outside and will assist with filling the plant sale online orders. Volunteers will be outside and will be bending and picking up plants for the orders. (Shifts are 8:00-10:45am and 10:30-1:15pm.)
Wednesday, May 8-Plant Pick Up day- Volunteers will assist with organizing the parking lot and loading orders into cars. The volunteer shift is 3:30-7:00pm.
Thursday, May 9-Plant Pick Up Day-Volunteers will assist with organizing the parking lot and loading orders into cars. (The volunteer shift is 3:30-6:30pm.)
Friday, May 10-Volunteers are needed to assist with auditing the inventory of annuals and organizing the parking lot to get ready for the sale day on Saturday. (3 hour shift)
Saturday, May 11-Volunteers are needed to fill several roles including wayfinders, plant experts to assist customers, craft volunteers, volunteers assisting with loading cars, and clean up volunteers. (3 hour shifts from 8:00-11:00am, 10:30-1:30pm, and 1:00-4:00pm).
If you are interested in volunteering during Plant Sale week, please email [email protected] for registration information. Volunteer groups are encouraged to register!
LECTURE SERIES: BRINGING NATURE HOME
presented by Curb Appeal Painting & Bartlett Tree Experts
JOIN OUR SERIES OF FREE EDUCATIONAL, VIRTUAL CLASSES
Not sure what you should plant where? Want to know the best native plants to choose? Have weeds to battle?
Watch free lectures about ecological gardening inspired by Douglas Talamy's book, "Bringing Nature Home.” You'll learn strategies for plant selection, garden design, and more as you discover why native plants are beneficial for our garden habitats and what to do with the invasives that threaten them.
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsors:
Oak Sponsor
Spicebush & Cardinal Flower Supporters
