Dig into Gardening this May in St. Mary's County

May is a great time to hone your gardening skills and enjoy being out in your garden.  There are two upcoming events that offer the opportunity for both: Summerseat's Annual Plant Sale and The Garden Fair at Sotterley Plantation!

9th Annual Summerseat Plant Sale

The 9th Annual Plant Sale, hosted by Summerseat Farm, will be on Saturday, May 7, 2011 (rain or shine) from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.! Choose from many annual and perennial plants, plus herb and vegetable plants, assorted shrubs, trees, hanging baskets, planted pots, crafts, and gifts for Mothers Day. There will be educational opportunities to hone your gardening skills as well. Plus, take a tour of the 1884 Manor House, walk the lovely grounds with the gardens in bloom, and check out the herd of American buffalo. The kids will enjoy fun activities and a petting zoo.

Summerseat Farm is located at 26655 Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville. Admission is free! For more information, call 301-373-6607 or 301-373-5858, visit http://www.summerseat.org/, or email info@summerseat.org.

The Garden Fair at Sotterley Plantation

The Third Annual Garden Fair at Sotterley Plantation will take place the weekend of May 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering something for everyone!  Abounding with beauty and activity, guests are invited to enjoy presentations, demonstrations, and exhibits on a variety of garden and environmental topics by local experts and University of Maryland Extension - St. Mary’s County Master Gardeners. Take a tour through the magnificent Colonial Revival Gardens.  Pick up lovely additions for your garden at the Sotterley Garden Guild Plant Sale.  There will be children’s programs and activities too, including a petting zoo and kite flying.

The new Plantation House Tour will be offered at half-price for $5 per person on both days as well!

Admission is $7 for one day; $10 for a two day pass (Sotterley Members free the second day); Children under 12 are free.  For more information, call 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.org/.

The Sotterley Garden Guild Plant Sale and Free Plant Exchange

New Extended Hours! The Sotterley Garden Guild Plant Sale and Free Plant Exchange will take place at Sotterley Plantation on Saturday, May 8th, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Plant Sale will run for the full extent of the day, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., where guests are able to purchase plants from Sotterley’s Colonial Revival Garden. The Free Plant Exchange will run from 10:00 a.m. to Noon only. Your plants in exchange for other annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, trees, bulbs and seeds! For Free Plant Exchange information, call 301-904-3439.


Because of their dedication to this National Historic Landmark, the Sotterley Garden Guild has not only raised thousands of dollars in support of Sotterley Plantation, but they are also responsible for the exquisite gardens. Their passion for beauty is evident to the smallest of details, so take the opportunity to appreciate their horticultural artistry!

For more information on upcoming Sotterley Plantation events, visit our website at http://www.sotterley.org/.

A Blooming Good Time! The Second Annual Garden Fair at Sotterley

The Second Annual Garden Fair at Sotterley Plantation will take place the weekend of April 17th and 18th, 2010 from 10am – 4pm. This year’s event will include a wide array of things to do, offering something for everyone!

The entire site will be a flurry of activity: Presentations on everything from Orchid Growing to Oyster Ranching by University of Maryland Professors, Environmental Experts, and Master Gardeners in the historic Barn. Pick up a mallet and play croquet on the Croquet Lawn. Shop the booths abundant with beautiful hand-crafted wares by local Artisans. Fly a kite down on the field. Check out the Going Green! and eco-friendly exhibits. Take a tour through the magnificent Colonial Revival Gardens. Children are welcome to craft birdhouses, birdfeeders, and paper flowers. Enjoy lunch in the garden. Pick up some lovely additions for your garden at the Sotterley Garden Guild plant sale.

Admission is $7 for one day; $10 for a two day pass (Sotterley Members free the second day); Children under 12 FREE.

For more information, contact Sotterley Plantation at 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.org/.

Photo by Sara Fisher.