2026 native seed propagation is underway! This year we have moved our plant propagation activities to Providence Greenhouses in Arnold and the University of Maryland Extension Dairy Farm location in Gambrills under the leadership of RePollinate Anne Arundel project lead Lauren Toomey and UME Master Gardener Coordinator Maxine Yoon.
And sow it begins…..
It all started on January 20 when volunteers assembled at Providence Greenhouses to cold stratify this year’s seeds. On hand to lead the volunteers were Rachel Carey, Providence Green house Manager; Lauren Toomey, Anne Arundel Master Gardener; Patchin Curtis, Anne Arundel Watershed Steward; and Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay members Marlene Smith (President), Bill Smith (Vice President), and Miranda Yourick (Secretary). Volunteers from RePollinate and Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay brought seeds, vermiculite, baggies, labels, markers, and enthusiasm to begin this year’s efforts to grow more native plants for southern Maryland. Joined by an enthusiastic group of community volunteers, we spent several hours mixing native seeds with vermiculite, swapping extra seeds, and enjoying lively conversation.
Fast forward eight weeks to March 25 when volunteers were welcomed back to Providence to sow their stratified seeds. We sowed seeds in flats that were then left in one of the greenhouses to be tended by Providence Greenhouses staff. A second round of seed sowing was completed on May 7.
Before we could begin transplanting at the Dairy Farm, a dedicated group of volunteers from the UME Master Gardeners and Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards “Quick Action Team” (QAT) prepared the new site in late April by laying 500 square feet of landscape fabric, constructing 32 4 foot x 8 foot wet table frames, assembling dump carts, and other tasks.
Volunteers were welcomed to the Dairy Farm on May 12 to begin transplanting. Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay transplanted five species, three from our inventory of germinated seedlings and two courtesy of Repollinate AACO:
- Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed)
- Hibiscus moscheutos (swamp rose mallow)
- Monarda punctata (wild bergamot)
- Vernonia fasciculata (ironweed)
- Ruellia humilis (wild petunia)
On May 14, we were back again, this time transplanting
- Penstemon digitalis (beardtongue)
- Elephantopus carolinianus (elephant’s foot)
- Lobelia siphilitica (great blue lobelia)
- Chasmanthium latifolium (northern sea oats)
- Aquilegia canadensis (wild columbine)
After our first two days of transplanting, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay has 425 new transplants representing 10 species, while RePollinate has transplanted a whopping 1341 plants, representing 17 species. Lauren and Patchin have their processes well-tuned and area working with an amazing core team of RePollinate volunteers. They are aiming for 4000 plants, 54 species for their 2026 fall distribution.
Volunteer With Us!
We will be transplanting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays this week (May 19, 21, 23). Follow us on Facebook for future updates on our transplanting days, as schedules vary due to weather or other factors.
With Appreciation
The newly built native plant nursery at the Dairy Farm is being funded by a generous grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with the RePollinate Anne Arundel team again this year!
History of Our Plant Propagation
In 2024, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay volunteers grew and distributed more than 2200 native plants of 35 species. In 2025, we sowed 60 milk jugs with a variety of 48 native species, including native perennials, annuals, grasses, vines, and shrubs; the result was approximately 2770 native plants distributed throughout the region at our fall events.
Our primary focus is on plants that are little known, hard to find, and/or under-appreciated in the nursery trade. Selections include plants that are native to our local Chesapeake Rolling Coastal Plain ecoregion that have recognized faunal associations. In addition, we include plants with high pollinator value.
Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay is deeply rooted in native plants and cultivating partnerships, while striving to educate, advocate, and collaborate to connect people and native plants for a healthy planet. Our vision is native plants and natural landscapes thriving in every community. Check out our Events page, Google calendar, Facebook, and/or Instagram for our upcoming events. And don’t forget to subscribe to our new YouTube channel and email subscriber list!
