Backyard Treasure Plant Sale 2026 – Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Durham County

by Lissa Lutz, NC State Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteer of Durham County

Local Ecotypes and Keystone Genera. What are they and why do they matter? Where can I get them? The second question is easy to answer: Come to the Durham Master Gardener Plant Sale on April 11, 2026. Lissa Lutz, chair of the plant sale committee answers the first question.

Keystone Plants

Keystone plants are a sub category of native plants that are uniquely essential to the local food web. According to research by entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy¹, a small fraction of native plants (about 14%) support the vast majority (90%) of butterfly and moth species. Without these specific plants, many caterpillars cannot survive. This leads to a collapse in bird populations that rely on them for food. Without keystone plants, the ecosystem collapses because the food supply and habitat for pollinators is threatened. Three example of perennials that are considered to be Keystone plants in our region are: Goldenrod (Solidago); Sunflower (Helianthus) and Asters(Symphyotrichum).

Goldenrod (Solidago)

We will have several varieties of Solidagos at the plant sale: Solidago caesia; Solidago bicolor; Solidago erecta; and Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks‘. Goldenrods are considered a keystone plant species in that they support numerous species of birds, butterflies, bees and other insects. Goldenrods tend to be deer resistant, and contrary to popular belief they do not cause hay fever. Of special interest is Solidago caesia. It, is unusual in that unlike most other goldenrods it is happiest in a woodland setting. Rarely growing taller than 2 feet, it spreads slowly and politely, offering showy yellow blooms along bluish stems from late summer through fall. Blue Stemmed Goldenrods in the sale were grown from seeds collected from plants growing along New Hope Creek in Orange County, making this plant a local ecotype (more about what that means in the next section).

A close-up of a green plant branch with vibrant yellow flowers, surrounded by blurred foliage in the background.

Close-up of yellow flowering plants with green leaves in sunlight.

Solidago caesia supports Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae. Flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Songbirds eat the seeds. (Image credit: Dan Mullen CC BY-NC-ND 4.0; Debbie Roos)

Sunflower (Helianthus)

The main attraction in the Heilianthus family will be Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp sunflower). This is a great plant for the back border of a pollinator garden. Why the back border? Because it often grows to 8 feet tall. It may need to be staked in late summer if it is planted in a windy area but it will give you cheerful daisy like blooms well into the fall.

It is visited by specialized bees as well as generalist bees (such as bumblebees and honey bees). It is a source of nectar for many butterflies during fall migration and serves as the larval host for the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly.

A cluster of vibrant yellow flowers in front of a decorative stone backdrop.

Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp sunflower) has multiple blooms that sway in the breeze and it attract a number of pollinators. It is also a favorite of song birds. (Image credit: J. Biochemistn CC BY-NC 2.0)

Asters(Symphyotrichum)

Do we have a variety of Asters for you! Symphyotrichum georgianum (Georgia Aster); Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Blue Aster); Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic Aster); Symphyotrichum patens (Clasping or Late Aster) will all be there ready to go home with you. The flowers have a long bloom season lasting from late summer until the first frost. Native bees nest in the dead, hollow stems, so gardeners are encouraged to cut back dead stems to 12 to 24 inches and allow them to remain standing until they disintegrate. Read more about best practices for stem-nesting bees in this NC Extension publication.

A lush patch of light purple flowers surrounded by fallen leaves and green foliage, with trees in the background.

A close-up of a bee perched on a purple flower with spreading petals, surrounded by green stems and buds.

Asters are a diverse group of plants. Some like sun others like a bit of shade. The are a must in the pollinator garden providing nectar in the fall and a home in the winter. (Image credit: Andrea Laine CC BY-NC-40; Debbie Roos)

Local Ecotypes

Local ecotypes are native plants that have been grown under local conditions. Using locally sourced plants increases survival rates, promotes genetic diversity, and supports specialized local pollinators and wildlife. They are crucial for restoring, sustaining, and improving local biodiversity. In addition to the Blue Stemmed Goldenrod mentioned earlier there will be many other plants that are local ecotypes.

Chrysopsis mariana, or Maryland Golden aster, is an under-utilized, tough as nails native that has bright yellow daisy-like blooms on 1 to 2 foot plants in the fall. This 2018 NC Botanical Gardens Wildflower of the Year attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators, and thrives in poor, sandy, well-drained soils, though it is quite adaptable. The plants can be short lived but will reseed readily. They are also deer resistant. Maryland Golden asters in the sale were grown from seeds collected from plants growing on a roadside in Orange County.

Penstemon laevigatus, or Eastern Smooth Beardtongue, is a lovely Piedmont native that is easy to grow in sun or part shade and a variety of soils. The evergreen basal rosettes produce 2 to 3 foot stems with pale purple blooms from May through July. Hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators visit the tubular flowers. Eastern Smooth Beardtongue is an excellent cut flower and is moderately deer resistant. Plants in the sale were grown from seeds collected from plants growing along a power line in Orange County.

A black insect with orange markings collecting nectar from a bright yellow flower.

Cluster of tall flowering plants with white blooms and green leaves in a garden setting.

Chrysopsis mariana, or Maryland Golden aster (l) and Penstemon laevigatus or Eastern Smooth Beardtongue (r) will be available for sale. They are both sourced from locally grown seeds which helps them to live a healthy life in your garden. (Image credit: Cathy DeWitt CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0; JC Raulston Aboretum, CC BY, 2.0)

Other Powerhouse Pollinator Plants that will be available include: Eupatorium (serotinum, hyssopifolium), Rudbeckia (triloba, fulgida); Amorpha fruticosa, Oenothera fruticosa, Parthenium integrifolium, Cunila origanoides, Rhexia virginica, and Lonicera sempervirens. According to National Wildlife Federation each of these species support 15 or more insect species.

This is only a partial list of the plants that will be available. We have an excellent collection of vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers,and lettuce) including many small varieties that can be easily grown by people living in apartments or houses with limited space. Herbs are a great way to spice up your kitchen and we will have several varieties of basil, ginger, rosemary and chives. There will also be several well-behaved non native plants and a selection of shrubs and trees grown by our exceptional propagation committee. You can find a full list of plants at: https://www.backyardtreasuresplantsale.org/.

While you visit the sale, don’t forget to stroll through our Durham County Extension Demonstration Garden and see many of the plants that are being sold. A previous blog post describes the recent changes and additions to the demo garden.

Promotional poster for the NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteer plant sale featuring event details, including the date, time, and location.

Notes:¹ Doug Tallamy is an entomologist, conservationist, and professor at the University of Delaware. His work has informed our understanding of the relationship between native plants and wildlife. He has written several books and these are available at his website: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/doug-tallamy/

Additional Reading and Resources

The National Wildlife Federation has developed a list of Keystone Plants by ecoregion: https://www.nwf.org/Native-Plant-Habitats/Plant-Native/Why-Native/Keystone-Plants-by-Ecoregion

The NC Wildlife Foundation has a list of perennials and annuals that are great pollinator plants for our state: https://ncwf.org/habitat/native-pollinator-plants/perennial-annual-flowers/#:~:text=Great%20Blue%20Lobelia,seed%20in%20ideal%20garden%20conditions.

The NC Audubon Society offers a variety of strategies for increasing the number and diversity of birds in our state: https://www.audubon.org/north-carolina.

If you are interested in having your garden certified as a wildlife certified habitat go tohttps://ncwf.org/our-work/garden-for-wildlife/certified-wildlife-habitat/

Shortlink: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-7j9

by Marcia Kirinus, NC State Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteer of Durham County

Over the next few weeks we will be featuring plants that will be on sale at our plant sale on April 11, 2026.

Are you the kind of gardener who snacks while you work? A cherry tomato here, a snap pea there, maybe a cucumber picked warm from the sun. Many gardeners can’t resist tasting the harvest while pulling weeds or watering beds. If that sounds familiar, take a look at what we’re growing for this year’s plant sale! https://www.backyardtreasuresplantsale.org/

Close-up view of young seedlings with green leaves emerging from dark soil in individual planting trays.

A person holding a small potted tomato plant with orange and green tomatoes, standing in front of a light-colored shirt.

These little baby tomato plants will grow up to be only about 9 inches tall. They may be small, but they are mighty producers of bright orange cherry tomatoes. This little snack machine grows happily in a 6-inch pot, and once it starts producing you can even bring it indoors and set it on a sunny windowsill. Consider it both decoration and dinner. (Image credit: Marcia Kirinus; Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds with permission).

They Aren’t Baby Vegetables—Just Cute Compact Ones

Miniature vegetables are varieties bred to stay small, either in plant size, fruit size, or both. The vegetables reach their full mature size, but that mature size is naturally smaller than standard varieties – perfect for gardeners who enjoy sampling the harvest as they work. Baby vegetables, on the other hand, are simply regular vegetables harvested early, before they reach full maturity.

Plant breeders have developed many compact varieties of familiar vegetables that produce full flavor on smaller plants. Several of these miniature or patio varieties will be available at the upcoming Durham County Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Plant Sale on April 11, 2026. The Extension Master Gardener plant sale is also a great opportunity to explore new varieties and talk with volunteers about what grows well in our area. Many of the plants offered at the sale are varieties we have tested or grown ourselves, and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about planting, care, and harvest.

Some Fun Mini Vegetables to Try

At the Master Gardener Plant Sale we will offer several miniature varieties that are especially good for garden snacking:

Sweet Confetti Pepper – a small, sweet snack pepper.
Green Fingers Cucumber – a slender, crisp cucumber perfect for fresh eating.
Fairy Tale Eggplant – a beautiful purple-and-white striped eggplant with tender fruit that cooks quickly.

Close-up of young green plants with large leaves in a black plastic pot, showcasing healthy growth and rich soil.

A close-up view of a healthy eggplant plant with multiple vibrant purple eggplants hanging from its branches, surrounded by green leaves in a garden setting.

Left: A young Fairy Tale eggplant seedling growing for the upcoming Plant Sale. (Image Credit: Beverly Tisci); Right: The mature plant produces striking purple-and-white striped fruits on compact plants that grow well in containers. (Image credit: Manny Cook)

Why Small Vegetables Are Having a Moment

Not every garden has room for sprawling squash vines or towering tomato plants. Fortunately, plant breeders have developed smaller versions of some of our favorite vegetables that fit neatly into containers, raised beds, and even tucked in corners of the garden.

In Durham and throughout the Triangle, miniature vegetables can be especially useful for gardeners working with small urban lots, raised beds, or container gardens. Many of these compact varieties thrive in pots on patios or decks where they receive plenty of sun. They also make it easy to tuck a productive plant into small spaces between flowers or larger vegetables.

The Advantages

These compact vegetables offer several advantages:

Earlier Harvests – Many dwarf varieties mature faster.
Easier Maintenance – Less staking, pruning, and sprawling vines.
Great for Beginners – Manageable plants with quick rewards.
Perfect for Patio or Balcony Gardens – Many varieties thrive in containers.

The Trade-Offs

Of course, smaller plants can come with a few trade-offs:

Smaller Overall Yields – A miniature tomato plant won’t produce like a full-sized indeterminate variety.
Smaller Fruits – Sometimes the fruit itself is smaller as well as the plant.
Occasional Reduced Vigor – Breeding for compact size can sometimes reduce plant vigor.
More Plants May Be Needed – Several small plants may equal the harvest of one large plant.

Small Plants, Big Garden Fun

Miniature vegetables may be small in stature, but they can deliver plenty of flavor and fun in the garden. For gardeners with limited space – or those who simply enjoy tasting the harvest while they work – these compact varieties offer a delightful way to grow fresh food close at hand. A pot of Orange Hat tomatoes on the patio, a snack-sized cucumber growing up a small trellis, or a sweet pepper tucked into a container can turn even the smallest garden into green space and spontaneous garden snacks.

If you’d like to try growing a few miniature vegetables this season, several of these varieties will be available at the Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Plant Sale on April 11, 2026. Stop by to see them in person and learn more about growing vegetables.

Additional Reading and Resources:

For more information on the Durham County Master Gardener Plant Festival and Plant Sale go to: https://www.backyardtreasuresplantsale.org/

Production of Miniature Vegetables in Florida: https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/27/37/00001/HS32700.pdf

Dwarf and Mini Vegetables and Fruit for Containers recommended by the Farmers Almanac. https://www.almanac.com/dwarf-and-mini-vegetables-and-fruit-containers

The LSU Extension Office offers a variety of ways that small spaces can be used to produce vegetables. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1717696392923

Article Short Link: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-7d0

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Durham County

Tag: Backyard Treasure Plant Sale 2026

Discover Keystone Plants and Local Ecotypes at the Durham EMG Plant Sale