Guides for Your Plants
Our bareroot distribution on Saturday, March 25, 2023 was a big success!
If you would like to learn more about the 2024 seedling distribution, go to our contact page.
Tree Seedling Package of 3
$15 Suggested Donation
1 Redbud [Red]
1 Pawpaw [Black]
1 Ironwood [White]
One package per customer
Shrub Seedling Package of 6
$15 Suggested Donation
2 Yellowroot [Yellow]
2 Spicebush [Green]
2 Elderberry [Blue]
One package per customer
Biodegradable Tree Tubes
$10 per tube
Protect Your New Plants from Deer by Ordering a Tree Tube! Viglis Bio Tree Tubes mean no toxic residues or microplastics, and offer 5 years of protection and 2 years of biodegradation. More info at vigilistreeshelters.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT’S THE SKINNY ON THE SEEDLING DISTRIBUTION?
This is the 3rd annual Native Tree and Shrub distribution event. What started as a backyard effort has consistently grown each year. This year the New River Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society will distribute 1350 native trees and shrubs, with partnership from over ten community organizations, while raising funds for native plant programming across the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE PLANTS?
You can find information about the shrubs here and the trees here.
WHERE CAN I PICK UP THE PLANTS?
You can select from seven pickup locations when you place your order. See the list of pickup locations below on this page.
WHEN SHOULD I PLACE MY ORDER?
As soon as you hear about the sale. We anticipate selling out within a week or so of going live.
ARE THERE EXTRAS? CAN I JUST SHOW UP AT PICKUP?
No, in-person sales will not be available.
CAN MY SPOUSE/CHILD/PARENT/NEIGHBOR/BEST FRIEND PICK UP MY ORDER FOR ME?
Yes. They will need to have your first and last name and a generally honest disposition. A printout of the order confirmation is helpful but not required.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS THE PICKUP DATE?
Don’t miss the pickup date! If you can’t make it, please send a friend! (See above.) Reach out to your onsite host if you have questions. Any seedlings left behind will be donated to the local partner organization.
HOW LARGE ARE THE PACKAGES?
Smaller than you might think! These are first- and second-year bare-root trees and shrubs, which means they are small and come without soil. We add a colored ribbon, put together each package, and placed the roots in a tub of moistened mulch.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME FOR PICKUP?
You don’t really need anything. Just a spot in your car for the tub of plants.
HOW DO I CARE FOR THEM?
Keep the roots moist and plant your seedlings as soon as possible. We provide a link to a planting guide when you pick up your seedlings. Dig a hole wider than it is deep. We recommend watering throughout the summer for the first year, especially if your tree or shrub is in direct sunlight. Fertilizer is not needed. A light top-dressing of leaf mulch is optional. More info here.
Worried about deer browsing? You should be! Deer are likely to browse new plants, even just to take a sample. Please protect your plant from deer. Here is some information how. This year we will also offer biodegradable tree tubes for sale. Each 5’ tube is available for $10 and will protect your tree or shrub until it grows out of range of deer browse. More info here.
HOW FAST WILL THEY GROW?
The seedlings typically start out in a dormant state, but when cared for properly, they can grow into lovely landscape specimens faster than you think. Each species has a different growing speed.
WHERE DO YOU GET THE SEEDLINGS?
Typically we get most of our seedlings from the Virginia Department of Forestry and Mid-Atlantic Natives. This year all of our plants are from the latter.
WHAT ARE THE FUNDS USED FOR?
Good question! First, the funds cover the cost of the seedlings. Leftover funds support native plant education across the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia. If you have an idea or a project that needs funding, please reach out!
Have more questions?
Feel free to contact the New River Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society at nrchaptervnps @ gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!