With the two annual sales typically scheduled within weeks of one another, it was decided they should collaborate and have the two sales simultaneously.

“We try and really promote native species for landowners to utilize within their landscaping. There’s so many invasive (species) that are out there now. Every year the species (we sell) varies. We have some new ones this year — we have the Chinese Chestnut,” said Charly Bloom, Clinton County Conservation District Watershed Specialist and Education Coordinator.

The trees and shrubs they have available this year range from shrubs perfect for privacy barriers, to fruit-bearing trees like apple trees or elderberry shrubs.

“This year we’re trying to coordinate with (the Master Gardeners). If there is a certain tree (the public) tells us they want, as long as it is a native we can try and order it. We try to get what we hear (requested) the most,” said Bloom.

ARIANNA MCKEE/THE EXPRESS Conservation District employees Carli McConell, left, and Charly Bloom hold some of the young trees for sale.

The Clinton County Conservation District have the following trees and shrubs available for purchase, Blue spruce, white flowering dogwood, persimmons, spicebush, Chinese chestnut, black cherry, red oak, American arborvitae, American elderberry, apple trees (‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘SuperChief’) and American cranberry.

The trees and shrubs listed will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis only, no preorders will be taken.

Ginny Counsil, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Coordinator, was enthusiastic about the partnership with the conservation district.

“This is our first year that we have done a plant sale with the conservation district. We typically would only sell native plants, trees and shrubs, but we wanted to expand this year. We have a variety of colorful annuals,” said Counsil.

“We have sold out of a couple of things,” she continued, “So far the sale is going well. We have three more days.”

ARIANNA MCKEE/THE EXPRESS Trays of vegetable seedlings for sale by the Clinton County Master Gardeners are pictured, including tomatoes, and hot and sweet peppers, as well as different types of cabbage and broccoli, and cucumbers and zucchini.

Master Gardeners is a non-profit organization that utilizes the money made from events like these to fund a range of educational events and activities for adults and youth in Clinton County year-round.

“(This) is one of our major fundraisers to help us support activities throughout the year. We appreciate everybody’s support and patronage,” said Counsil.

Master Gardeners have traditionally sold only native trees, shrubs and flowers. There are several reasons to incorporate native plants into your landscape. Native plants grow naturally in our region and have adapted to our local climate. They support wildlife, providing food and shelter, and are essential for the survival of certain birds, insects and other animals. Native plants can withstand the environmental conditions, including drought. Natives help with water conservation, reduce soil erosion and mitigate carbon impact.

The following native plants will be available for sale, including butterfly weed, tickseed, bee balm, bidens, columbine, cardinal flowers, coneflowers, lobalinia, lobelia and sweet potato vine.

Kathy Dorman, Master Gardener, brought in pussy willows to sell from her own garden.

ARIANNA MCKEE/THE EXPRESS Don’t know what you’re doing, but want plants anyway? The Clinton County Master Gardeners are also selling premade pots with a well-balanced variety of flowers to beautify your homes and gardens without needing to select and combine the plants yourself.

In addition to these native plants, there will be vegetables and herbs, as well as quite a few non-native flowers. Some of the common garden vegetables and herbs included in the sale will be peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, zucchini and broccoli, Italian basil, cilantro, oregano, parsley, thyme and dill.

Non-native flowers for sale include geraniums, petunias, dahlias, begonias, portulaca, calibrachoa, lisianthus, sunpatiens, zinnias, dianthus and marigolds.

Kathy Gillen, Master Gardener, noted the pre-potted plants they were selling this year. One of their Master Gardeners who enjoys creating them put five shade and five sunny pots together.

“The herbs are selling well,” said Gillen.

Shopping dates for this year’s tree sale will be Wednesday, April 30, through Friday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Clinton County Conservation District office, 45 Cooperation Lane, Mill Hall, (located along Route 64, North of Lamar). Master Gardeners will also be available on Thursday afternoon from 4 to 7 p.m., for those who work during the day.

ARIANNA MCKEE/THE EXPRESS Some of the trees available at the Clinton County Conservation District are pictured, including persimmons, arborvitae, cranberries and blue spruce.

Depending on what they have left in stock, there will also be additional hours on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Inventory for shrubs, trees, flowers and plants will vary as the event goes on. Stop in to see what is left in stock!

For more information, please call 570-858-0192 or 570-726-0022.