BRATTLEBORO — The 24th annual Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District's (WCNRCD) Tree and Perennial Plant Sale has begun.
This year's offerings include plants sought for their landscape, conservation, regeneration, and food value, and include those great at controlling erosion - part of an effort to rehabilitate damaged stream banks and farm land in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene. Trees and shrubs are all bare rootstock.
Wildlife and songbird shrubs and tree selection this year include red osier and Kousa dogwoods, black elderberry, serviceberry, black chokeberry, highbush cranberry, American filbert/hazelnut, and Roselow crabapple.
Semi-dwarf apple, cherry, peach, plum, and pear trees, along with a large selection of perennials, are also available for spring planting. Spectacular edibles include blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, currants, rhubarb, horseradish, and asparagus.
Hardwoods this year include American basswood, red and white oak, black walnut, black cherry, red and sugar maple, Eastern redbud, and paper birch. Conifers are Balsam fir and Norway spruce.
Repellants are offered, as are Viterra Agri-gel, VisPore mats, tree shelters, and bluebird houses.
Orders are taken until April 11. Pick-up of stock is Saturday, April 26, in the Natural Resources Department at the Windham Regional Career Center at the Brattleboro Union High School complex.
Proceeds from this event help the conservation district continue its mission of ensuring the wise use, protection, and enhancement of Windham County's farmland, woodland, and water, and related natural resources.