By KRISSI HUMBARD — The Hyattsville Horticultural Society’s Annual Seed Sale took place on Feb. 3. Organizers had a wide selection of tried-and-true seeds from the Charles Hart Seed Company — the oldest family-run seed company in the country — and expanded their offerings of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange seeds, chosen by expert local gardeners to work well in Hyattsville gardens. Seeds for flowers, herbs, and vegetables were available, along with used gardening supplies and books, informational pamphlets about gardening challenges, and homemade lunch and dessert items. Experienced gardeners from Hyattsville Horticultural Society (HHS) were available to answer gardening questions. New this year, the City of Hyattsville’s certified arborists were on hand to answer questions about Hyattsville’s tree canopy.
Hyattsville Environment Committee members partnered with HHS to give residents information on how to get help removing english ivy from existing shade trees, installing or maintaining rainbarrels and other initiatives in the works. Committee members also informed residents about the new City of Hyattsville rebate for purchasing shade tree saplings. City residents can receive up to $50 per household toward the purchase of one of 29 varieties of large native shade tree saplings. The city’s rebate is designed to be used along with the $25 rebate offered by Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The city’s rebate can also be used to purchase a tree bag and/or soil amendments to promote the growth of a new tree.
