By Teresa Woodard
The plant-buying frenzy is about to begin, and there’s no better place for one-of-a-kind plants and great gardening advice than a public garden’s plant sale. Besides, the sales generate significant income for botanic gardens, arboreta and plant societies. At Ohio State University’s Chadwick Arboretum, for instance, a three-day event staffed by 180 volunteers pulls in more than $40,000.
Like Chadwick’s sale, many sales also feature auctions, pre-sale party nights, workshops and book signings. To get first dibs on plants, check out the pre-sale events typically offered to members. No doubt, the membership privilege is well worth the $25-$50 annual dues.
Also, come with questions. Many of the volunteers have first-hand experience growing the plants for sale. So, don’t be afraid to ask for their favorite tomato plant, native shade tree or miniature varieties. The only danger is you may end up with a trunk full of wonderful plants.
- Morton Arboretum Arbor Day Sale, Illinois (April 27-29)
- Native Illinois Plant Sale (April 28)
- Adena Mansion’s Heirloom Plant Sale, Ohio (May 5-20)
- Kingwood Center Spring Flower Festival and Plant Sale, Ohio (May 5)
- Secrest Arboretum Plant Discovery Day and Sale, Ohio (May 5)
- Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association’s Annual Plant Sale (May 5-6)
- Chadwick Arboretum Plant Sale, Auction and Gardening Fair, Ohio (May 10-12)
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens Plant Sale with the Pros, Wisconsin (May 11-12)
- Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society Annual Native Plant Sale and Auction (May 12)
- Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Plant Sale (May 12)
- Missouri Botanical Gardens Spring Wildflower Sale (May 12)
- Dawes Arboretum Plant Sale and Garden Fair, Ohio (May 18-19)
- Holden Arboretum Plant Sale, Ohio (May 18-20)
- Bernheim Arboretum Bloomfest Plant Sale, Kentucky (May 19)
- Chicago Botanical Garden Bloomin Festival Plant Sale (May 17-20)
- Wisconsin Herb Society’s Herb Faire (May 26)
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Mary Maloney, director of Chadwick Arboretum, shares that National Public Gardens Day (Friday, May 11, 2012) occurs on the same day as several plant sales. The American Public Gardens Association will hold its national conference in Columbus, June 19-23, 2012.
Hello! I wanted to get marerid at the Arboretum for both my ceremony and reception. I was hoping that you could tell me what you did for lighting at the reception because I noticed they have NO power. Was a generator used? Thank you very much.-Maria
Hi, Javier. You can contact the arboretum at 614-688-3479. Thanks, Teresa
This is a fantastic list — thank you! I’ve shared it far and wide. Hope you’ll consider doing it again next year.