Plant material is available free of charge for all school based projects where students are involved and directly benefit from the project. Such projects may be initiated by students, teachers, scouts, Master Gardeners and others. For community projects where students are not directly involved plant material is available at cost. Note: Plant material is available to the general public only during designated plant sales.
Feel free to browse our current inventory and contact us with any questions.
Winter was rough. At least we lost quite a few plants due to frost action lifting them out of the soil and exposing teh roots. Alas. Currently we have about 1500 pants of 20+ species. Spring is when we recover with a new round of seeding and transplanting. Currently we have seeded another 3000 plants with a couple thousand still to go! Whew. with a little luck the summer won't be as hot and dry as last year.
Invasive Plant Spotlight Common Periwinkle Vinca spp.  Description: Vinca or periwinkle is a common ornamental frequently planted as ground cover. It is prized as a genuinely no-maintenance evergreen plant that is both attractive and functional. In some parts of the country it is planted as a fire resistant ground cover and works reasonably well for erosion control. There are two species commonly available: Vinca minor has smaller leaves (about 1” in length) than its sister Vinca major which has leaves about 2” long. Both species usually have purple flowers and shiny foliage. Vinca grows well in full shade to partial sun and is very drought tolerant. Range: According to the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health (www.invasive.org) Vinca is native to Europe and was introduced during the 1700’s. It is naturalized in some parts of the country. It can be found growing wild throughout the eastern, southern and western states. Invasive Characteristics: Growing thick and able to root from just about any part of the plant that is in contact with the ground, if not actively controlled periwinkle is a plant to avoid. On the bright side it can be reasonably contained if planted in an area where it is restrained by buildings, sidewalks, roads or active mowing on all sides. One should never plant Vinca at the edge of a forest without some form of restraining barrier. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources lists Vinca spp. as an invasive species. Native Alternatives: Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)  Vinca major invading a wooded slope in Hollywood, MD. | Nursery News
For specific questions regarding the Elms Native Plant Nursery please contact: Kurt Reitz | Native Plant Spotlight Virginia Sweetspire Itea virginica  Description: Virginia Sweetspire is a medium sized wetland shrub found along freshwater streams, bogs and swamps. Growing to a maximum height of 8’ it provides good ground cover for mammals, seeds for birds and nectar for pollinators. At the peak of its blooming season the plant is covered with 4” spires of white flowers and will undoubtedly be abuzz with every nectar loving insect, and their predators, found in the area. Its fall foliage is characterized by a long lasting transition from red to purple, with leaves remaining on the shrub well into winter. Bloom Time: April through June Light Requirement: Part Shade Height: 3’ – 6’ Soil Moisture: High – needs to remain moist, not drought tolerant. Soil pH: Acid (<6.8) Soil Description: Moist, rich soils. In the Garden: Virginia Sweetspire, combined with Sweet Pepperbush make an excellent attractor for butterflies, providing nectar at the beginning and end of the season. It is very attractive when in bloom and during the autumn. Note, Virginia Sweetspire reproduces with runners, forming colonies, and can be invasive in the garden setting. |
The Native Plant Nursery @ The Elms is made possible due to the generous support of:
