Rehoboth Art League to host native plant event Sept. 21

In a nod to its horticultural heritage, Rehoboth Art League will host its inaugural plant sale and free educational event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21 at 12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres.

Attendees can learn about benefits of planting native species and the beauty of garden design. Available for purchase will be native plants grown by local nursery partners Bella Terra and the Inland Bays Garden Center.

A member of Sussex County Master Gardeners will lead a class at 11 a.m. on the benefits of native plants. This class is free, but seats are limited and registration is required at rehobothartleague.org/events.

Guided tours of the Homestead Garden will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This beloved part of RAL’s campus was designed by the league’s founder, Louise Corkran, in 1931 and is still true to its original colonial revival design. A brief visit to the art league’s new native plant demonstration garden will follow the tours.

Keystone tree walks will a master naturalist keystone tree walk will take place at noon and 2 p.m. Participants will learn about the many benefits of trees and take a closer look at native keystone trees found across the art league’s 3.5 acre campus. Guides also will point out invasive plants and trees and the challenges they present to native species.

Information tables will be staffed by experts from Delaware’s Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Programs. Guests can learn about the benefits of native plants, identifying invasive species, how to test soil or identify a tree, the benefits of using integrated pest management/IPM practices, lawn replacement ideas, how to create a rain garden and more.