Gardening with native plants is on the rise as more people discover the benefits from growing native. You can purchase local flora, grown in EC’s nursery, at Environmental Concern’s Annual Spring Native Plant Sale and Open House on June 12th, 9 am – 4 pm and June 13th, 9 am – 6 pm at EC’s Wetland Learning Center located on Boundary Lane in St. Michaels.

Need some inspiration? You can explore four different types of wetlands, including a restored “living shoreline” at Environmental Concern’s Open House Tour. Experience the beauty of local plants and wildlife thriving in their native habitats.

Environmental Concern’s certified horticulturists and nursery staff will be on-hand to answer questions and assist you in building your backyard wildlife habitat.

Native plants provide familiar sources of food and shelter, necessary for the survival of butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds and other wildlife. Environmental Concern offers a colorful array of plants suitable for Rain Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, Shade Gardens, and Songbird Hedgerows. Choose from over 110 native plant species, including the popular Marsh Hibiscus, Great Blue Loebelia, and Cardinal Flower. Plants may be ordered in advance. For more information call 410-745-9620 or email nursery-sales@wetland.org.

You can plan your own Rain Garden at Environmental Concern’s Mini Rain Garden Workshop on June 12th from 3 pm – 4 pm at EC’s Wetland Learning Center. Instructor Sarah Toman will teach you the dos and don’ts of native Rain Gardens. Native landscaping with Rain Gardens is the first step in taking responsibility for your property’s fertilizer and pesticide runoff. Cost for the course and guide book is $15 members, $20 nonmembers.
Space is limited. Call 410-745-9620 or email order@wetland.org to pre- register.

You can also find us at a variety of regional plant sales throughout the year. Visit our website at www.wetland.org for a complete list. Environmental Concern, a 501(c)3 non-profit, promotes native landscaping practices to protect wetlands and improve water quality in the Bay. Proceeds from our plant sales and workshops help support Environmental Concern’s Wetland on Wheels mobile classroom, Books, Bogs and Bugs pre-school program , and Wetland Survivor for students in grades K-12.