Camden native plant event set for Sept. 16

The Camden Public Library, in partnership with Wild Ones Midcoast Maine Chapter, is set to present the second annual Camden Native Plant Celebration & Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, on the grounds of the Camden Amphitheatre on Atlantic Avenue.

There will be shopping from local native plant nurseries, educational booths, conversations with native plant experts, kids’ activities, plein-air painting, music, and more. This is an opportunity to learn more about native plants and how to incorporate them into one’s own garden and yard, according to a news release from the library.

The event will be held rain or shine.

All plants available during the event are from local native plant nurseries and grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides and neonicotinoids. Once established in the right environment, native plants are low maintenance and normally do not require watering, fertilizer, herbicide, fungicides or pesticides. They are vital for local native insects and wildlife and promote vibrant, thriving ecosystems.

Participating native plant growers will include Rooted Elements Native Plants, Rebel Hill Farm, Blue Aster Native Plants, Crystal Lake Farm and Nursery, and Bas Rouge Farm & Forge.

Pre-sales are available directly through each grower’s website. For more information on how to order plants ahead of time, visit midcoastmaine.wildones.org.

Pre-ordered plants will be available for pickup in the parking lot adjacent to the Amphitheatre. Many plants, books and other related goods will also be available for sale in the Amphitheatre during the event.

Other participants include the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Knox Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, Stewardship Education Alliance, Merryspring Nature Center, Megunticook Watershed Association, Camden Garden Club, Maine State Horticulturalist Gary Fish, Coastal Mountains Land Trust, Roots n Shoots After-School Program, featured artist Cassie Sano, and the Camden Conservation Committee.

The event is being organized by the Wild Ones Midcoast Maine Board of Directors.

For more information, call the library at 207-236-3440.