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York-Poquoson Master Gardeners Host Annual Plant Sale

The annual plant sale features the distinctive Yorktown onion among other plants.

News Summary

The York-Poquoson Master Gardeners are holding their annual plant sale on May 3 at the York Learning Garden in Yorktown, VA. This year, the sale features a variety of plants, including the unique Yorktown onion and other annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. Attendees are encouraged to bring boxes and only cash or checks will be accepted. Proceeds will support community gardening initiatives, making this an excellent opportunity for local gardening enthusiasts.

Yorktown, VA – The York-Poquoson Master Gardeners are set to host their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to noon. This year’s event will take place at the York Learning Garden, located at 301 Goodwin Neck Road, and promises to feature a variety of plants, including the renowned Yorktown onion, along with a selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and native plants.

Shoppers attending the sale are encouraged to bring their own boxes, wagons, or carts to carry their purchases. For payment, only cash and checks will be accepted. Proceeds generated from the sale will contribute to funding local Master Gardener projects aimed at enhancing the community’s gardening efforts.

Highlighting the Yorktown Onion

One of the standout items at the sale is the Yorktown onion, also known as the Wild Leek or Wild Garlic. This unique plant is currently blooming along the Colonial Parkway, adding vibrant purple-headed flowers to the landscape. The Yorktown onion can be distinguished by its tall stalks, reaching three to four feet in height.

The scientific designation for this plant is Allium ampeloprasum, where “Allium” refers to garlic and “ampeloprasum” translates to leek of the vineyard. Interestingly, while the plant is naturalized in many areas around the world, including parts of the southeastern U.S., California, and Ohio, it is considered a distinct marker of Yorktown. It is believed that seeds of the Yorktown onion were brought to the region during the Revolutionary War.

Conservation Efforts

In York County, the Yorktown onion is protected under local regulations that prohibit picking the plant from public lands. It is enforced by National Park Service rangers on federal properties. To further protect this plant, there are initiatives in place to avoid mowing areas where the Yorktown onion flourishes, ensuring its survival and health.

Adaptation and Characteristics

Over the years, the Yorktown onion has adapted to its environment, shriking in size from its original height of six feet to its current stature of approximately three feet, with floral heads that have decreased from five inches to three inches. The flowers typically bloom throughout May and last for about a month before disappearing until the following year.

Despite previously being thought to exist solely within Yorktown’s boundaries, the Yorktown onion has been discovered in other regions as well. For gardening enthusiasts eager to cultivate this unique plant, the York-Poquoson Extension Office regularly sells Yorktown onion plants during their annual sale, and bulbs can also be purchased online through various suppliers.

Conclusion

The upcoming plant sale by the York-Poquoson Master Gardeners offers an excellent opportunity for local residents to purchase the distinctive Yorktown onion and a variety of other plants while contributing to community gardening initiatives. Attendees should plan to arrive early, as the diverse selection is sure to attract a crowd.