In time for spring planting and landscaping, the EnergyXchange is currently holding a plant sale.

According to the Director of the EnergyXchange, Brandon Pitman, for a low cost investment at $6.50 a piece, and following a few anyone can successfully improve their landscape. Pitman says selecting a site where the Rhododendron/Azalea plant will be protected from the afternoon sun by shade is an important first step.

“Planting these types of bushes on the north side of a house is ideal,” said Pitman.  Also digging a hole that is wider than the root-ball, but not too deep, will help the plant grow. “These plants have shallow root systems so it is important to have a wider hole rather than a deeper hole,” said Pitman. “Placing the plant in a hole and leaving the root-ball about two inches above the ground can help with drainage because Rhododendron/Azaleas do not tolerate excessive moisture.”

Pittman suggests filling around the plant with a 50/50 mixture of pine bark and topsoil that can prevent the soil from drying out quickly. The Rhododendron/Azaleas also do not tolerate drought, and prefer a cooler soil temperature at the root system. “Fertilizing with compost or an azalea fertilizer can also benefit the growth of the plant,” said Pitman.

The money made from the plant sale is cycled back into the operation of the EnergyXchange. Funds are used to run the facility, which support clay and glass blowing art studios as well as green house production.

“The EnergyXChange provides a learning opportunity and hands on lab for Mayland Horticulture students as well as a place where the Career College students have learned about job and team work building skills,” said Pitman.

According to Pitman, Mayland is looking at doing additional education in sustainable agriculture in the near future, and the EnergyXchange site will provide a valuable place for these educational opportunities.

Plants that are available for sale include Rhododendron austrinum (Flordia Azalea), Rhododendron arborescens (Sweet Azalea), Rhododendron atlanticum (Costal Azalea), Rhododendron canescens ( Piedmont Azalea), Rhododendron calendulaceum (Flame Azalea), Rhododendron cumberlandense (Bakeri Azalea), Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea), Rhododendron prinophyllum (Roseshell Azalea), Rhododendron prunifolium (Plum Leaf)

Rhododendron serrulatum (Hammocksweet Azalea), Rhododendron vaseyi (Pinkshell Azalea), Rhododendron viscosum (Swamp Azalea), Rhododendron carolinianum (Carolina Rhododendron or Punctatum), Rhododendron catawbiense (Catawba Rhododendron), Rhododendron maximum (White Laurel or Rosebay Rhododendron), Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel), and Leucothoe fontanesiana (Mountain Doghobble).

Pictured is an example of the Rhododendron/Azalea bushes that can be currently purchased at the EnergyXchange.

For more information contact Pitman or Randy McMahan by phone at 828 467-5687, by e-mail at [email protected] or visit the EnergyXchange Monday-Friday from 8 AM-4 PM.