Spring 2011 Biological Sciences Plant Sale Set for March 26 on Campus
Wed, 03/23/2011 - 08:59am | By: Tara Burcham
The spring Biological Sciences Plant Sale will be held on The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus March 26 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in front of the Biological Sciences Teaching Garden on the east side of Walker Science Building, across from the Thad Cochran Center and the R.C. Cook University Union.
Proceeds will benefit the Biological Sciences Teaching Gardens, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Garden, the USM Blueberrification Project, and support the creation of new butterfly gardens at several local schools. In past years, over 50 blueberry bushes were planted on the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus and pollinator grants and plants were given to local elementary schools with funds generated from fall and spring plant sales.
The spring sale will include the following items:
· Trees: A larger assortment of trees than previous years, including eight different oak species.
· Azaleas: Numerous unique varieties including the classic Southern Indicas and other "mellow" azaleas.
· Natives: Broad assortment of berry-producing natives for attracting birds. Several holly species including a small-leaved attenuate hybrid ('Nasa'). In addition, great species for attracting bees and butterflies, such as Clethra alnifolia and Cliftonia monophylla, and the elusive Gordonia lasianthus, Lyonia lucida, and Magnolia macrophylla.
· Tropicals: Hardy tropical plants such as exceptionally nice Elephant Ears ("Wentii" and 'Mojito") and enormous Calidoras in addition to "Truly Tiny" Dwarf Banana.
· Fruit Trees: Blueberries, pomegranate, apple, pear, and plum trees. Plus classic Pineapple Guava, makes edible guava-like fruits.
· Asian selections: Holoarctic flora, Laurasian relicts, Pleistocene glaciation and several types of Asian Magnolias, Cryptomeria, and Chamaecyparis.
· Classic selections: Sweet Olive, Banana Shrub, Bridal Wreath, and Gardenia plus the new Drift roses.
Visit http://www.usm.edu/biology/news.htm to view an availability and price list. For more information or to reserve items on the list, e-mail Dr. Mike Davis at mike.davisFREEMississippi.