Take advantage of fall native plant sales
We are fortunate in Northern Virginia to have many sources of native plants. In addition to the native-only nurseries – some of which propagate plants themselves from local seed sources – there are numerous vendors who set up shop at special plant sales in the spring and fall.
Find a list on the Plant NOVA Natives website. Scroll down to find the Fall Native Plant Sale portion. You’ll also find the free, downloadable Guide to Native Plants of Northern Virginia.
If you are looking for particular plants, you can contact vendors in advance and ask for them. Traditional commercial nurseries are selling more and more native plants as well (but don’t expect to find natives at big box stores).