Conservation district joins UVM Extension chapter for plant sale

WINDHAM COUNTY –The Windham County Conservation District announced the continuation of its popular annual plant sale. This year’s pickup day will be held on Saturday, May 7, at Green Mountain Orchards in Putney.
In a promising new partnership, the district will be joining forces with the Southeast Chapter of UVM Extension Master Gardeners for this year’s sale. This new partnership will improve the sale by allowing it to offer expert planting and care advice on pickup. The master gardeners have also helped with the selection of varieties.
Plant sale stock is primarily bare root, which greatly reduces the potential for the introduction of invasive pests such as jumping worms, which are rapidly becoming an increasing threat to Vermont’s forests and gardens in recent years. Ordering from the district plant sale is also a great way to ensure that primarily native plant species and entirely noninvasive varieties are planted.
The district’s sale relies on volunteer labor and the donated preparation and sale space at Green Mountain Orchards, allowing the district to offer cheap prices on high quality stock. The district will offer more than 60 varieties this year, including conifers, wildlife shrubs and trees, fruit trees, and a wide variety of perennials.
The district is also a licensed vendor for Plantskydd repellents. These organic products help keep deer, rabbits, and voles from eating backyard plants. The district is happy to offer these products, along with a selection of other supplies for planting.
The district is accepting online orders at www.windhamcountynrcd.org. While some varieties are available for same-day purchase, customers are encouraged to place their orders online or by mail soon to ensure access to preferred varieties.