More than 600 species of native shrubs, trees, wildflowers and grasses can be found in Adkins Arboretum, a 400-acre native garden and preserve on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Dedicated to promoting the appreciation and conservation of the region’s native plants, it includes four miles of paths along streams, through meadows and native plant gardens, and under the shade of a rich bottomland forest.

If you’re wandering the Eastern Shore this weekend, Road Trips Gardeners, consider stopping by for the Native Plant Sale (there’s another one September 17 and 18, 2011, if you miss the spring edition on April 16 and 17, 2011). To see what’s going to be on sale, go online.

The Arboretum, 25 miles east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge at 12610 Eveland Road, near Ridgely, Maryland, is adjacent to Tuckahoe State Park. The grounds and visitor’s center are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students 6-18, and free for children 5 and under.