Get native plants for less now through May 1 with Throwing Shade VA (copy) (copy) (copy)
Look for this Throwing Shade VA tree tag at participating nurseries.
It’s planting season once again…and there’s never been a better time to buy more natives. Throwing Shade VA is back, the 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 – from March 1 to 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 Southwest Virginia and the Eastern Shore. (See locations below).
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.
How to get your discount
Receiving discounts is easy...just 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.
“More than 7,750 discounted plants were purchased through Throwing Shade VA last year,” said Urban and Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator Molly O’Liddy. “And this year, we are excited to make the discount available to more Virginians by partnering with new locations in Northern Virginia, Southwest Virginia and even the Eastern Shore...with all of our wonderful nursery partners from last year participating again. With so many eligible species available, there are native plants for any landscaping project you might have.”
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.
In this area visit Thomas Hollow Nursery at 10547 Oak Grove Road, Bristol, Virginia, or Crow's Nest Greenhouses, 1811 Brooksfield Road, Blacksburg.
