Native-plant booth set in Sandy

The Intermountain Native Plant Growers Association will host a booth at the Utah Flower and Landscaping Show and Sale today, Saturday and Sunday at the South Towne Expo Center, 9575 S. State, Sandy.

Native plant experts will be on hand to answer questions about plants, perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees that are listed in the Utah's Choice program. The 40 plants listed provide greenery, structure, colorful flowers and fragrance, yet don't require much water.

Using native plants is an excellent way to conserve water, said Linda Oswald of the Native Plant Growers Association. "In Utah most of our water is used on our landscapes. Because of recurring droughts, rapid population growth and increasing water rates, water conservation has become a permanent issue.

"Home gardeners are turning to native plants for their water-wise gardens. These plants are already at home in our harsh, dry, high-elevation climate and are a natural fit with our surrounding environment."

Show hours are today, 1-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Resources are available at the Utah Choice Web site, www.utahschoice.org.