Assateague Coastal Trust, Celebrates their 25th Annual Native Plant Sale
“The Earth Laughs in Flowers”
– ‘Ralph Waldo Emerson’
We’re thrilled to announce Assateague Coastal Trusts (ACT) 25th annual Native Plant sale, happening May 4th! 25 years of providing native plants has made a positive impact for our local environment on the Eastern Shore, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
📅Date – Saturday, May 4th,
🕧Time – 8am - 1pm
🗺️Location – ACT Building. 10959 Worcester Hwy. Berlin, MD
This year, we’re offering more Native Species than ever before! Over 40 varieties of native plants will be available to choose from.
Every single one of these species will adorn and enhance your garden landscape; adding beauty, attracting pollinators, and supporting local wildlife. Additionally, herbs, peppers, heirloom tomato plants, and buckets of compost will also be some of the additions available at the plant sale. We’re your one-stop-shop for your spring garden needs!
“Where There are Bees, There are Flowers, and Whenever There are Flowers,
There is New Life and Hope.”
– ‘Christy Lefteri’
Image: Debbi Dean - Hibiscus with bumblebee
WHY garden with native plants?
Native plants contribute to cleaner water! Their deep root systems in comparison with non-native species which help stabilize soil, prevent erosion, reduce sediment runoff, filter, and purify rainwater before it reaches streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. Some species, like Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum), can have root systems up to 8 feet deep!
Native plants absorb excess nutrients! Many plant species are excellent at taking up excess nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are common pollutants in our local water bodies, improving water quality while creating natural buffers along the waterways. The nutrients from nitrogen-rich lawn fertilizers are one of the leading pollutants entering into waterways, and contribute to the growing imbalance of nitrogen and phosphorus. These excess nutrients cause harmful algal blooms which can reduce the amount of oxygen in the water and lead to fish kills! You can reduce the nutrients coming from your own landscape through the use of native plant species as a buffer around your yard.
Native plants are adapted to the local climate, soil, and weather conditions, making them resilient and low maintenance! Check out these resources from The University Maryland Extension all about gardening with native species! Click HERE.
Native plants support our pollinator species! What is the importance of a pollinator? Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a crucial role in plant reproduction by transferring pollen between flowers. Many native plants rely on pollinators for their reproduction, ensuring the continuation of plant species and the diversity of plant communities, which also support clean water sources. Not only do pollinators benefit our other native plants, but they are crucial to our agricultural industries. No pollinators, no peaches!
Native plants provide significantly better habitat and food sources for a variety of wildlife. Protecting and restoring native plant habitats is vital for maintaining healthy watersheds to ensure clean water for communities. In fact, did you know that Oak trees in the mid-Atlantic support more than 500 species of caterpillars! More than any other tree species in our region. Check out this article from the American Bird Conservancy all about the relationship between birds and native tree species. Click HERE.
Wow, that’s a lot of amazing benefits from gardening with Native Species, and did we mention they’re GORGEOUS!
Join us at our community plant sale – Celebrating the 25th Annual Native Plant Sale for this opportunity to support our environment, to promote clean water, and to enhance your landscape with beautiful native plants. Participating is a tangible way to make a positive impact on our environment, while beautifying your surroundings. Get your pre-orders in now!
We can’t thank you enough for your generous support of the Assateague Coastal Trust!
Image: A field of Golden Rod (Solidago spp.) and Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), two Maryland native species which provide excellent habitat and home to a huge number of native species.