Tree and plant sale at soil and water district

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Even though the snow keeps falling, we are starting to see and hear the signs of springtime. Now is the time to plan ahead for orchards, gardens and natural landscape. The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District Tree and Plant Sale pre-order deadline is Thursday, March 14, with pickup dates from April 22-26. This year we are pleased to offer a variety of bare root stock trees and shrubs for landscaping, whether your passion is for flowering trees, rose bushes, native berry bushes or nuts. We have hazelnut shrubs, hickory trees and for the first time we are offering chestnut seeds, as part of our continued efforts to restore chestnut trees to this region. We also offer an abundance of orchard trees, including apples, pears, plums, crabapples, and cherries, as well as companion plants to help your orchard thrive. We have strawberry bundles, blueberries, grape vines and even asparagus. Some plants provide both food and habitat for birds, mammals, butterflies and also bees, which are necessary for pollination.

    Creative and functional landscaping not only can prevent or eliminate problem areas on your land or adjacent water, but also can enhance the value of your home. Erosion control plants may be necessary for steeper areas of your property, areas adjacent to water bodies for prevention of runoff, and any area where there are no existing plants to help keep the soil in place. Our selection of native Maine plants can also be used to create beautiful rain gardens. Rain gardens are designed to utilize water from roofs, driveways and other hard areas to control runoff problems and to protect water quality. They are not only functional, but are also attractive additions for a welcoming landscape. Our landscape helpers include plantskydd organic animal repellent, recycled rain barrels, kitchen and garden composters and biodegradable mesh tree protector sleeves.

    For more information about the wide variety of plants and products available through this fundraiser that supports educational programs, please contact the district office at 564-2321, extension 3, email info@piscataquisswcd.org or stop by the United States Department of Agriculture Service Center in the Pine Crest Business Park at 42 Engdahl Drive.