The Environmental Concern nursery season kicks off with the annual Spring Native Plant Sale on May 9th and 10th. Growing more than 120 species of shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants for over 40 years, Environmental Concern (EC) hosts one of the largest native plant sales on the Eastern Shore. The sale will take place at EC’s campus located at the head of San Domingo Creek in historic St. Michaels. Bring your kayak and picnic lunch. The view is free!

EC’s featured plant this spring is the wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). Tufted lavender flowers are produced at the end of each stem from June through July. A wide variety of butterflies find the wild bergamot an attractive nectar source. This easy-to-grow perennial mixes effortlessly with other summer blooming natives such as swamp milkweed and butterfly milkweed.

Perennial favorites including the pervasive pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), known for its showy violet-blue colored flowers, as well as the eye-catching cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) will also be available. The vibrant scarlet blooms of the cardinal flower, visible from May through October, offer hummingbirds an endless supply of nectar.

The sale hours are Friday, May 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pre-orders will be accepted until Wednesday, May 8th. Contact Penny at (410) 745-9620 or e-mail at [email protected]. Members will receive a 10% discount. If you’re not a member, a membership representative will be on-site to answer questions about benefits and membership levels. A special membership packet will be offered to new members on Saturday, May 10th.

All proceeds from the plant sale will help fund EC’s mission to improve water quality and enhance native habitat in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. EC is a 501(c)3 public not-for-profit organization. For more information, visit wetland.org or call (410) 745-9620.