Del Ray Gardenfest

Native tree seedlings are provided annually by Fairfax ReLeaf.
 

Trees available this year:

• Sweetbay Magnolia: Magnolia virginiana is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen to deciduous native tree (10–30 ft) often found in wet, acidic soils of the eastern US. It is cherished for its lemon-scented, creamy white flowers, glossy leaves with silvery undersides, and adaptability to wet sites

• Eastern Redbud: Cercis canadensis is a native North American deciduous understory tree known for its vibrant magenta-pink spring flowers that bloom directly on branches and trunk before leaves emerge. Growing 15–30 feet tall, these trees feature heart-shaped leaves, moderate growth (1-2 feet per year), and edible flowers. 

• Elderberry: Sambucus canadensis is a fast-growing, native deciduous shrub (6–12 ft) found in damp, sunny areas across North America, featuring large flat-topped clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and edible purplish-black berries in late summer. It is widely used for wildlife habitat, erosion control, and making syrups, jellies, and wines.

• River Birch: Betula nigra is a fast-growing, native, medium-to-large (20 - 30 ft) tree popular for its exfoliating, cinnamon-colored bark and high tolerance for wet sites, often used for erosion control.

• Red Maple: Acer rubrum is one of North America's most widespread, adaptable, and fast-growing deciduous trees, commonly found in eastern forests. Recognized by its red-tinged buds, flowers, twigs, and fall foliage, it thrives in varied soils, growing 30–70 feet tall. Red maples provide crucial early-spring nectar for bees and food for wildlife. 

• Black Cherry: Prunus serotina is a fast-growing, native North American forest tree, growing 30–70 feet tall with distinctive, flaky "burnt potato chip" bark when mature. It features white spring flowers and is highly valued for its durable, reddish-brown wood. Native to most of the Eastern half of the U.S., Black Cherry offers nectar and pollen to native pollinators and honey bees.  The small red or black fruits are a favorite food of more than 40 species of birds. Black Cherry also serves as the host plant for an amazing array of butterflies and moths - more than 450 species!
   

​Thank you to the following companies for donating seeds for free distribution at GardenFest:

• High Mowing Organic Seeds

• True Leaf Market 

• Redwood Seeds 

• Seed Savers Exchange Herman's Garden Program

• Sow Right Seeds

• Peaceful Valley

• Burpee 

• Baker Creek