Adkins Arboretum to Host Native Plant Nursery Fall Open House

Adkins Arboretum’s Native Plant Nursery will open its doors Sept. 12 and 13 for a Fall Open House and Plant Sale. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Nursery, learn about plant propagation and rain barrels, and visit the Nursery’s native gardens, all in addition to purchasing ornamental native plants for the fall garden.

Native asters. Photo by Josh Taylor Jr.

Brilliant orange butterfly weed and stunning red cardinal flower attract pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden, while native asters add subtle shades of purple and blue. Redbud and dogwood dot the early-spring landscape with color, and shrubs such as aronia and beautyberry provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Fall is the best season for planting. Trees and shrubs planted in fall have a chance to set roots before the heat and stress of summer. The Arboretum participates in the Marylanders Plant Trees program, an initiative by the State of Maryland to encourage residents to plant native trees. The program offers a $25 coupon toward purchase of native trees that retail for $50 or more.

Sat., Sept. 12 is an Open House day for members from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. New members are welcome. All members, including those who join during the Open House, will receive a significant discount on plant purchases. Public Open House hours are Sun., Sept. 13 from noon to 4 p.m.

Open House visitors can also learn about the Arboretum’s Native Landscape Design Center, a unique offering that pairs homeowners with a landscape designer to create a beautiful and affordable native landscape that benefits wildlife and the environment.

Proceeds from plants sold at the Fall Open House benefit the Arboretum’s education programs. For more information, call 410-634-2847, extension 0 or visit www.adkinsarboretum.org.