LEONARDTOWN, Md. – St. Mary’s County Library invites the public to select free native plants for their yards and to view four new art installations at the Native Plant Swap and Mosaics Murals Celebration at the Leonardtown Library Front Yard on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The community is invited to bring their own native plants to share (instructions below) and to take home new plants.
In just four years, the Front Yard landscape with its native plantings has transformed a bare field into a habitat for native birds, bees and butterflies. Experienced Front Yard planners and volunteers will be on hand to give advice on native plants that can suit your yards.
During the event, the unveiling of the Mosaics Mural will allow the public to view the new permanent art installation in the Garden. The joyful free-standing ceramic art murals reflect the year-round beauty and inspiration this native landscape has brought to the community. “Lush Life: Seasons and Cycles in the Garden” is the creation of ceramic artist Parran Collery, who will be on hand to answer questions about the work, which was made possible through the support of the Maryland State Arts Council.
“The Mosaic Murals are a wonderful addition to the beautiful Front Yard Garden,” said Michael Blackwell, St. Mary’s County Library Director. “They are not only colorful and lovely, but educational, teaching especially young people about native flora and fauna and the importance of cultivating sustainable native gardens to benefit Maryland wildlife. The wise quotes on them will inspire visitors for years to come”
If you’re new to gardening with native plants and would like some help to get started, come to meet and chat with native-plant enthusiasts, view native plants in the Front Yard gardens, and take home free plants and seeds!
If you’re an experienced native gardener, please spread the joy by bringing your favorite plants and seeds to swap and share. If you have plants to share, please follow the simple steps below to help us stop the spread of invasive jumping worms.
- Dig up your plants.
- Shake the dirt off the roots.
- Gently rinse the roots clean.
- Label each plant (include the botanical name if you can).
- Bring them to the Swap & Share in a bucket of water or wrapped in wet paper and tucked in a plastic bag.
For more information, contact Liz Curtz, Friends of St Clements Bay, at curtzeli@gmail.com.
Participating partners include: the Friends of St. Clements Bay, St. Mary’s County Master Gardeners, St. Mary’s County Master Naturalists, St. Mary’s County Garden Club, Nurture Natives, and Butterfly Alley.
