The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society (PBCC FNPS), dedicated to promoting the preservation, conservation and restoration of native plants and native plant communities of Florida, is hosting its Annual Rare & Unique Native Plant Auction on Saturday, May 11. This year’s theme is If you plant them, they will come!

The popular event will be held from 12:30 to 5 p.m. in the auditorium at Mounts Botanical Garden, located at 53 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. The Silent Auction will begin promptly at 12:45 p.m., with the Live Auction starting promptly at 1:45 p.m. All proceeds will support the FNPS mission.

“Native plants are the gateway to sustainability,” says Lucy Keshavarz with PBCC FNPS. “Bring sustainability to your yard and workplace by planting natives.”

This year’s auction will feature hard-to-find and special plants that provide food and shelter for our native butterflies, bees, and birds. In addition to native plants, gardening-related items, gardening services, native plant books and novelty items will also be up for bid.

“Local experts will describe each grouping of plants, explaining why they are important to the environment and beneficial to soil, wildlife and human life,” adds Keshavarz. “And back by popular demand is auctioneer Andrew Burr, who always keeps things lively.”

Bid categories this year will include among others: • Berries Galore - for birds and humans • Flutterby Food - Host and nectar plants for native butterflies • Jolly Green Giants - Great specimen trees for the yard. • Bedspread - Wonderful ground covers of varying heights for sunny and shady locations

Note: There is no charge to attend or bid. Cash or check, please.

About the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Established in 1981, the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is a not-for-profit organization. Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the auditorium at Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. Individual membership is $35 yearly. For more information about the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, please visit http://palmbeach.f​npschapters.org and www.facebook.com/PBCC.FNPS