BERLIN -- With longer days and warmer temperatures, many are planning to spruce up yards and businesses to enjoy the outdoors. When the time comes to put your green thumb to work, think about the benefits of planting native plants.

If you want to purchase native plants (and delicious heirloom tomatoes) for your yard or business, join the Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) for the 13th Annual Native and Heirloom Plant Festival, scheduled for May 5.

The festival begins at 8 a.m. and will be held in ACT’s large back yard, steps from the corner of Old Ocean City Boulevard and North Main Street in Berlin. The site is a perfect venue for a festival that combines gardening activities, local craft exhibits, and children's programs.

Native or indigenous plants are those that naturally occur in the coastal and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. Using native plants will increase the chances that the plants will thrive in your yard, as they are suited to our soils and climate. Native plant species require less watering than non-natives do, and are able to make better use of rainwater than typical lawn turf. An incredible fringe benefit of the native plant garden is that local and migratory wildlife use native plant species for food, cover, and rearing young.

Advance orders may be placed now with ACT's secure on-line order form. The forms may be printed out and mailed to ACT's office with a check, but customers are encouraged to use ACT's easy, secure, on-line order form with Master Card or VISA.

Pre-orders of plant packages are required, and pre-orders of heirloom tomatoes are highly recommended. For more information, call Assateague Coastal Trust at (410) 629-1538 or visit www.actforbays.org.