There are many things to take into consideration when selecting the appropriate plants – the type of soil and amount of sunlight on your property, which plant varieties support local wildlife and how to avoid those species considered to be invasive. To help with all that, the Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District is offering a free Shrub Planting Workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 28 at the Piscataquis County Extension Office. Presenters are Extension Educator Donna Lamb and District Supervisor Richard Johnson. Lamb is also an Associate Supervisor with the District.

Lamb and Johnson will present segments of a slide show developed by Androscoggin/Sagadahoc County Extension Educator Nancy Coverstone. Several publications will be distributed on selection and planting of shrubs and trees for wildlife. Planting techniques will be demonstrated.

The workshop will help those considering new plantings to choose the varieties that meet their landscaping needs. The Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District’s Annual Shrub Sale is scheduled for May 4. Bare root stock plants are offered individually and in bulk orders. The district has taken pains to avoid offering any species considered invasive at their annual sale.

Purple loosestrife, Japanese barberry, Oriental bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, smooth and common buckthorn, non-native honeysuckles, multiflora rose and common reed have all been classified as “most invasive” in Maine. The Maine Natural Areas Program is providing each District with a copy of its newly published Invasive Plant Survey Atlas. Individuals with questions about invasive plant species are welcome to come to the District office in the Dover-Foxcroft Plaza Mall to view the atlas and other educational materials. The Maine Natural Areas Program is also coordinating a volunteer effort to document the distribution of invasive and potentially invasive plants in Maine. Copies of the atlas will be provided to help volunteers in their efforts. For more information about participating, call Don Cameron at 287-8041 or e-mail him at don.s.cameron@state.me.us.

For more helpful planting tips, instructions and publications, plan to attend the Shrub Planting Workshop. Pre-registration is recommended. Call Sheila Grant at 564-2321 for shrub sale information or registration details.