Each year since we have lived in Wilmington, we look forward to the annual TreeFest held every January at the Independence Mall. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give green thumbs an early winter boost. Up to 5 free bare-root seedlings are distributed per person to plant in their winter garden.
Don’t know what to plant? Volunteers from The New Hanover County Cooperative Extension and Forestry Service will be on hand to answer any questions you might have regarding what plants are best suited for your particular home environment and what care the tree will need.
The seedlings available are chosen for their adaptability to our coastal climate. There will also be pamphlets to bring home to help assist you with the planting.
In past years we have come home with River Birch, Weeping Willow, Black Swamp Gum, Redbud, and various Evergreens. My little Weeping Willow sapling is now 8 ft high!
Although a projected 10,000 seedlings will be given out, you might want to come early for best selection. Also it’s a good idea to bring a plastic liner for you car trunk as the seedlings must be kept damp.
TreeFest is sponsored in conjunction with the NC Cooperative Extension and Keep America Beautiful of New Hanover County, NC Forest Service, NHC Parks Department, NHC Soil and Water Conservation, Progress Energy, and Independence Mall. The seedlings were grown in Division of Forestry’s nursery in Goldsboro, NC
Where: The JC Penney wing of Independence Mall, Directions click here:
When: Friday, Jan. 25, 10:00 am. – 7:00 pm. Saturday, Jan. 26, 10:00 – 6:00 pm.
Here’s a fun contest sponsored by The Wilmington Tree Commission every month. You might win a free tree!
Happy Planting!
