By Bethany Clark
Trees Atlanta, the nationally known non-profit, is hosting its Thirteenth Annual Trees Atlanta Tree Sale and Festival on Saturday, October 13, from 8:00am to 2:00pm. The event will take place at the non-profit’s Platinum LEED certified headquarters Kendeda Center, at 225 Chester Avenue. Trees Atlanta donors of $500 or more are invited to attend a preview shopping night the evening before the sale.
Each October, Trees Atlanta offers more than 1,000 plants, including 200 species of trees, shrubs, native perennials, and tree-friendly vines, for purchase by the public. All proceeds benefit Atlanta neighborhood tree planting projects, helping Trees Atlanta volunteers plant approximately 2,000 trees each year all around metro Atlanta. The trees planted with funds from the annual Sale help rejuvenate Atlanta’s declining tree canopy and contribute to a healthy, diverse forest.
In addition to purchasing trees, visitors are invited to spend time at the Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center by enjoying the festival component, offering planting and pruning demonstrations, live music, a small sheep petting zoo, a dynamic speaker, partner booths, kids’ crafts, raffles, and food trucks. There will also be opportunities to learn about the Trees Atlanta’s LEED-certified building.
Sponsored by Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., this year’s Tree Sale will feature both unusual and hard-to-find native and exotic trees and a selection of native trees, shrubs, and perennials that attract wildlife and pollinators, such as birds, butterflies, and bees.
“Every dollar invested at the Tree Sale will not only buy you a great tree for your yard, it will also enable Trees Atlanta volunteers to plant shade trees in urban areas where they are needed most,” said Greg Levine, Trees Atlanta’s Co-Executive Director. “The annual Sale is an essential part of making these plantings possible so Atlanta citizens can enjoy a healthier environment.”
“I would advise all shoppers to arrive early,” Levine continued, “since lines for the sale begin appearing around 7:00am, and several species sell out literally within minutes.”
The Tree Sale will have an extensive selection of oaks, ginkgos, hickories, hollies, dogwoods, redbuds, azaleas, hydrangeas, blueberries, and many more species and varieties. It also gives plant lovers a chance to talk with experts about why each tree is unique, making the tree-buying decision easier. One variety that is making its first appearance at the Tree Sale this year is Sheri’s Cloud Blackgum, which is a variegated blackgum that was discovered in Arkansas. Another great and always popular plant is the paw paw; a small tree with beautiful leaves and delicious fruit. Also available will be Devil’s Walking Stick, which has the largest leaves of any native tree (they’re compound and can be up to 5 feet long!). And if you’re looking for beautiful vines for a trellis or fence, there are several great native options like coral honeysuckle, passion vine, native wisteria, and trumpet creeper.
“We would love for the community to come see what the Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center has to offer,” said Connie Veates, Co-Executive Director. “We want our visitors to have access to not only an excellent selection of trees, shrubs, and vines, but also to knowledgeable tree experts and friendly entertainment as we kick-off the 2012 tree planting season.”
A complete list of trees and plants for sale will be available on www.treesatlanta.org. And if a shopper wants a big tree but has a small car, Trees Atlanta can provide delivery, as well as planting assistance, within a limited area for a small fee.
“The Trees Atlanta Sale offers something for both first-time tree planters and tree enthusiasts,” said Levine. “There will be tree experts on hand to offer tree selection assistance and planting instructions. We’re here to help everyone have the best tree-buying experience possible.”
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