Conservation district holding annual plant sale

OLD SAYBROOK — The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District’s 27th annual plant sale fundraiser will take place April 27-29 at Old Saybrook Shopping Center in Old Saybrook, at the corner of Boston Post Road and Elm Street. Shoppers can take advantage of the wide variety of native shrubs, ground covers, evergreen tree seedlings, flowering perennials, ferns, grasses, and culinary herbs offered in the 2018 sale. Whether someone would like to enhance a landscape with natives, grow their own berries, have an herb garden, provide food and cover for wildlife, attract butterflies, hummingbirds and songbirds, promote pollinator health and survival, improve drainage with a rain garden, or protect water quality, they won’t be disappointed in the selection.

This year’s list features some new plants, such as the low-growing, aromatic Fragrant Sumac, and plants the district hasn’t carried recently, such as the showy Eastern Redbud, the brilliant Red Chokeberry; and an expanded ground cover and perennial section. They are also offering two Garden in a Box grouped selections in rustic pine boxes, one to attract pollinators, and the other hummingbirds and songbirds, as well as the popular Collins Organic Compost.

For a copy of the 2018 brochure, go to www.conservect.org/ctrivercoastal. Quantities of certain plants are limited; order early for the best selection. Orders were due April 6. There are also extras available the days of the sale. For information or to to receive a hard copy of the brochure and order form, contact the District office at 860-346-3282.

The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Middletown, works to conserve the natural resources of towns in the lower Connecticut River watershed and coastal areas through technical assistance and education. All proceeds from the plant sale support conservation work. For more information about district programs and services, go to www.conservect.org/ctrivercoastal