Rehoboth Art League sets native plant sale and tours Sept. 13

In a nod to its horticultural heritage, Rehoboth Art League will host its second annual native plant sale and free educational event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at 12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres.

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

A member of Sussex County Master Gardeners will lead a class at 11 a.m. on the benefits of native plants. At 12:30 p.m., staff from Mt. Cuba will host a class on native alternatives to invasive species. The classes are 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 native plant demonstration garden will follow the tours.

Keystone tree walks with a master naturalist will take place at 12 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 explain the challenges they present to native species.

Patrons will also have a special opportunity to sponsor a limited number of bird boxes created by Rehoboth woodworker Hurley Waples. The bird boxes will be on view at the event, and will be placed around the RAL grounds with the assistance of the Delaware Audubon Society to help encourage a bird-friendly campus.

Information tables will be staffed by experts from Delaware’s Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs, Sussex Gardeners, Mt. Cuba, Delaware Audubon Society and more.