Northern Virginia homeowners who want to do their part to help repopulate native trees and shrubs are able to buy seedlings from the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. This sale of seedlings, which takes place every year, helps Northern Virginia residents get involved in the environmental benefits of planting trees and greenery, while giving them a choice as to the type of plants they’d like to have in their yards.
The seedlings and young plants are able to be sold at a drastic discount by the District because they buy the plants wholesale and pass the savings along to homeowners. According to Reston Now, “two seedling packages are being offered for sale. The shrub and small tree package is on sale for $16.95 with 10 seeds, and the tree package features six seedlings for $11.95.”
Not only do native plants help keep the soil and air clean, says watershed specialist Lily Whitesell, but they also prevent the damage caused by dirt erosion. Trees are constantly needing to be replaced in the Northern Virginia area, says Whitesell, largely due to damage caused by deer. The trees and shrubs included in this year’s batches of seedlings are deer-friendly, but certain species are less desirable to the critters than others. Because they are also fast-growing, the hope is that the new plantings can speedily replace growth that has been damaged by deer.
Some of the species included in this year’s seedlings include Eastern redbud, pawpaw, shortleaf pine, silky dogwood and witch-hazel. The witch-hazel is particularly desirable right now because it has a beautiful winter bloom, says Whitesell. For the same reason, redbud is prized for its gorgeous springtime flowers.
Northern Virginia homeowners can start ordering seedlings now until April 11 from the Conservation District’s online store and can pick up their purchases at the Packard Center in Annandale on April 20 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. or on April 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. For an additional $5, customers can order a copy of Plant NOVA Natives Guide: Naturally Beautiful, a useful companion to your new plants which shows what your trees and shrubs will look like when they are mature, has lovely pictures of their blossoms, and suggests what flowering plants would make the best accompaniment to the native seedlings. Once you pick up your plants, you just do a llittle digging and planting and, voila! You’ll have made a difference not only in the beauty of your lawn, but in the wellbeing of the earth and air surrounding you and your neighbors. It’s an investment in your future.
