Rain Garden Plant Sale
The Rain Garden Plant Sale is NOW CLOSED!
If you placed an online order already, please be on the lookout for an email with pick-up instructions.
If you want to be notified of our next Rain Garden Plant Sale, sign up for our Fresh Coast newsletter: https://www.freshcoastguardians.com/newsletter-signup.
For more garden/native plant sales: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/endangeredresources/nativeplants
Usually in February of each year we open our pre-order online sale with an in-person pick up in June. We offer dozens of hardy native wildflowers and grasses to take the guesswork out of what to buy for a beautiful rain garden. Rain gardens can help reduce the risk of sewer overflows and water pollution by naturally absorbing stormwater runoff from hard surfaces into the ground.
Plant info:
- Plants are sold in bundles of 4; each plant's container is 2.5" x 2.5" x 3.5 " (length x width x height/depth); one bundle of 4 plants costs $12.00, $3.00 per plant unless otherwise noted. A garden kit costs $45 and contains 16 plants; 4 bundles of 4 or more distinct species of plants with similar light and moisture needs.
- Plants are ordered online in Spring and picked up in person in June.
- To keep prices low, we have a minimum order of 16 plants or one garden kit.
- For a full list of all the plants from the 2024 plant sale and their attributes like sun/moisture needs open the "Quick List".
- If you would like to see the full list of the garden kits with attributes open the "Quick Kit List".
- For plants with special characteristics such as shade, deer, and/or salt tolerance open the "Suggested Species List"
Example of a bundle of 4 plants (plants vary in height depending on species):
Example of a pocket garden kit with 16 plants. Each species is labeled in the front with the same species in the same row behind it.
Growth and Blooms:
If you haven't purchased native plants before there are key differences you should understand. Unlike more traditional, cultivated plants, native plants spend their first growing season sending down roots and preparing for the ever-changing Wisconsin weather. You will not see extensive growth above ground or much blooming. In their second growing season, native plants really take off with both leaf growth and an increase in blooms.
Native plants just after planting:
Native plants after one year:
Who can order:
Any private property owner, local non-profit group, or municipality can purchase plants. Plants cannot be purchased for resale. If you are unsure of your status or have other questions, please contact us using the contact us form.
To receive future notifications on MMSD plant sales and workshops, sign up for our Fresh Coast News email list.
Want to learn more?:
Attend an upcoming webinar, workshop or contact us to submit a question regarding your plant questions.
Upcoming Free Webinars/Workshops:
-
Virtual Webinar "How to Plan Your Rain Garden" with Melinda Myers, on February 29th, at 6:30 pm. Watch the Recording.
-
Virtual Webinar "How to Select Your Rain Garden Plants" with Melinda Myers, on March 14th, at 6:30 pm. Watch the Recording.
-
In-person Rain Garden Workshop March 23rd, at 10 am at Bayview Library. Spots are limited! Registration required.
-
Virtual Webinar "Managing Water on Your Property" with Melinda Myers, on April 11th, at 6:30 pm. Registration required.
-
Virtual Webinar "How to Plant Your Rain Garden" with Melinda Myers, on May 9th, at 6:30 pm. Registration required.
-
Virtual Webinar "Fall Landscape Care and Planting" with Melinda Myers, on Sept 12th, at 6:30 pm. Registration required.
Dates to Remember:
- April 4th, 2024: All plant sale orders must be submitted by the close of business. Plant supplies are limited for this plant sale. Once plants SELL OUT, the SALE WILL CLOSE! Submit your order here.
- June 15th, 2024: Plant order pickup is at MMSD - 260 W. Seeboth St., Milwaukee, WI 53204.
Benefits of Rain Gardens
Gardening expert, Melinda Myers, explains the benefits of rain gardens.
Selecting Plants for Rain Gardens
Melinda Myers offers a few favorite rain garden plants.