US (MD): Arboretum announces plant nursery opening weekend

Adkins Arboretum's Native Plant Nursery, offering the Chesapeake gardener the largest selection of ornamental native plants for more than 20 years, will celebrate its 2013 Nursery Opening Weekend 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14 at the Arboretum Visitor's Center in Ridgely. The sale benefits the arboretum's education programs and affords the public an opportunity to learn about the region's native plants and their connection to a healthy Chesapeake Bay. Following the sale weekend, the nursery will be open to the public during the growing season, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Mondays and weekends by appointment.

Plants for sale will include a broad selection of perennials, ferns, vines, grasses and flowering shrubs and trees for spring planting. In addition, the arboretum is a participating nursery in the Marylanders Plant Trees native tree discount program. For any native tree valued at $50 or more, shoppers will receive a $25 discount.

The arboretum gift shop, Sweet Bay Gifts, will be open and will offer books and nature-inspired gifts for gardeners. Members receive a 10 percent discount on plants, gift shop items and new books. Members at the $100 Contributor level and above receive a 20 percent discount on plant purchases.

A sale day for members will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 12. All members are welcome, and new memberships will be accepted that day.

Donations of garden books, field guides and gardening/landscaping magazines for the used book sale are greatly appreciated. The sale helps support the arboretum's library. Books may be left at the visitor's center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 410-634-2847, ext. 0, or visit www.adkinsarboretum.org.