Beautify your yard with native plants

Silky dogwood

The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District is selling packs of seedlings in an effort to spread native plants throughout the region.

Native plants use less water, attract wildlife, protect air and water quality, and bring beauty to your landscaping. They are also more disease resistant than imported plants.

There are two options. The tree package, $11.95, includes two river birch, two willow oak, and two shortleaf pine seedlings.

The shrub and small tree package is $16.95. It contains 10 seedlings, including two each of winterberry, red chokeberry, silky dogwood, arrowwood viburnum, and eastern redbud. Planting instructions are included, too.

The seedling packages can be ordered online and must be prepaid. Orders are due April 22. The seedlings will be available for pick up at the Packard Center in Annandale on May 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., or May 2, 9 a.m.-noon.