Spring Blooms at Landis Arboretum

ESPERANCE, NY (05/02/2011)(readMedia)-- A long winter and a reluctant spring are finally behind us. It's time to get outdoors and celebrate the glories of the season, and there's no better place to do that than at the George Landis Arboretum in Esperance, NY.

Blossoms abound at the Arboretum's signature Spring Plant Sale.

The Arboretum's annual Spring Plant and Book Sale will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 14 & 15, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Out of the ordinary trees, shrubs, and perennials are the hallmark of this event, which includes a bake sale on both days. Free soil pH tests will be provided on Saturday by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie Master Gardeners: bring one cup of dry soil in a clean plastic bag. Admission and parking are free.

Volunteers for the Plant Sale Set-Up are also needed the week prior to the sale, Tuesday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM. Lunch will be provided! Workers and bakers are needed for the plant sale weekend also. Contact Susan Sagendorf, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518) 234-8970 or e-mail ssagendorf@yahoo.com for specific details and sign-up.

Friday, May 13, 5 – 8 PM, marks the traditional Pick of the Pots (POPs), a free member-only preview and plant sale. Details will appear in the Newsletter, the Constant Contact e-mails, and at www.landisarboretum.org. POPs is always a memorable event when old friends meet once again and introduce new ones to the Arboretum.

Three events will introduce – or reintroduce – participants to the springtime wonders of nature.

An Early Morning Bird Walk will be held Saturday, May 7, from 6 to 9 AM, and is open to the beginning to serious birder. Participants will explore the Arboretum grounds to find resident and migrating birds. Instructor: George Steele, Science Educator. Members: $5/person, $15/family. Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.

Join Alan French and the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for star gazing under dark Arboretum skies. A Public Star Party will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 27 & 28, at 9:30 PM. A variety of telescopes will treat you to views of nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets, and other celestial sights. Free admission and parking – but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcome. Star parties are cancelled if the skies are mostly cloudy. Call Alan at (518) 374-8460 for more details.

George Steele, Science Educator, will lead a Spring Night Walk on Saturday, May 28, from 7 to 8:30 PM. Experience the magic of spring evenings with a nature walk, looking and listening for the animal life awakening at this time of year. Participants will explore the fields and forests of the Arboretum to find animals that are starting their yearly cycle of growth and reproduction. Dress for the weather and the possibility of muddy trails. Members: $5/person, $51/family. Non-members: $10/person, $25/family.