It’s planting season once again… and there’s never been a better time to buy more natives.
Throwing Shade VA is back, the popular Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) program that offers retail customers with $25 discounts on eligible native trees and shrubs (valued at $50 or more). The discounts are available now through May 1 at participating nursery locations across Virginia.
This year, Throwing Shade VA has doubled in size, up to 31 locations (from 15). DOF has expanded the program to include previously underserved areas, including Locally, Puckett Greenhouses in Southwest Virginia. It is located at 1461 Green Spring Road, Ararat.
Throwing Shade VA incentivizes Virginians to plant native species of trees and shrubs, which provide water quality benefits, as well as a source of food and habitat for wildlife and pollinators. Not only can native species meet any landscaping objective, they often require less maintenance, as they are adapted to Virginia’s environment and climate.
Receiving discounts is easy. Visit a participating location and choose native trees and shrubs with the Throwing Shade VA tag. Scan the QR code on the tag, complete a short survey and show it to the clerk when you check out to receive your discount. (Paper surveys will also be available at the point of purchase.)
There are more than 125 species eligible for the program, but supplies are limited and do vary. Check with your local nursery for specific details. To learn more about Throwing Shade VA and the importance of native species, visit DOF’s website.
Support for this program comes from state water quality improvement funds, which DOF uses to reimburse nurseries for the discounts. All trees planted through this program are reported as part of the state’s Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan. Customer surveys help DOF track progress towards the Commonwealth’s water quality improvement goals. This also helps inform DOF of funding decisions for additional planting projects. Collected information is confidential and will not be displayed or given to outside parties.
