BERLIN — For the 15th year, Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) will offer a selection of native flowering perennials, heirloom tomatoes, herbs and local crafts at its annual festival.
This year the event will again be held next to ACT’s office, steps from the corner of Old Ocean City Boulevard and North Main Street in Berlin. The date for this year’s sale, May 10, or the day before Mother’s Day, arrives just in time for shoppers to honor their moms with natural gifts that keep on giving and are good for the environment, too.
The festival, which also features nature-inspired crafts, will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.
“It is always a good idea, however, to place plant orders in advance,” said ACT Executive Director Kathy Phillips. “That guarantees that gardeners (and moms) will get the best of the plants that come from our growers.”
Advance order forms are available now at www.actforbays.org or by calling 410-629-1538. Orders may be placed directly through the website. Pre-orders will only be accepted until Monday, May 4.
All plants are chosen because of their drought resistance and their natural ability to adapt to local gardening conditions. Native plant gardens require less herbicide, less pesticide and less fertilizer than exotic varieties, which is good for the environment and encourages habitat creation for native wildlife.
Since heirloom tomatoes were introduced to the festival four years ago they have grown in popularity. Heirlooms typically produce more flavorful tomatoes than hybrids.
Have questions about your garden? Master Gardeners will be on hand to help you solve garden problems and make your selections for 2013.
Besides the plants themselves, local craftspeople will be exhibiting their work for sale.
“All of our artists and craftspeople create either garden or nature-related work, or use natural materials in their products,” said Phillips. “We have woodworkers, birdhouse and bird feeder makers and glassworkers among others.”
To place your plant sale pre-order or for more information about the event, please visit www.actforbays.org or call 410-629-1538.