With all Maymont has to offer- nature, beauty, animals, history- no one needs a special reason to visit, but the Annual Maymont Plant Sale adds an extra bonus to a trip there! Last Saturday my daughter and I spent a wonderful afternoon at Maymont’s Annual Plant Sale- Herbs Galore!
Herbs Galore Review
I’m no horticultural expert, but plant enthusiasts of all skill levels find joy at Herbs Galore.
This year 80 vendors, including main sponsor Colesville Nursery, convened on Maymont’s sprawling lawn. The Maymont tents alone feature 4,000 plants for sale. Whether you live on several acres or boast a balcony garden, there are plants for you! It’s best to come prepared with a wagon to ferry your finds back to the parking lots.
Annuals, perennials,vegetables, herbs, bushes, flowers of all sorts of varieties are on display for purchase. Other vendors feature unique items created by artisans inspired by nature and gardening such as: specialty jewelry, herbal elixirs, felt animals, and garden decor. My daughter was intrigued by a 3-D printed watering jug.
We are excited to see what comes from the several pepper plants we purchased.
If you can, arrive early. The lemongrass sold out quickly from several vendors! Use the Plant Check Tent where volunteers organize and save your finds as you continue your day!
The Maymont tents are maroon/red and this is where you can find plants and items to purchase to directly benefit Maymont. A $40 purchase here earns a free tote bag celebrating Ginger, the 2023 Herb of the Year. A number of ginger related food and drink items were available there, too.
The Dooley mansion and gardens are open for mini-tours during the plant sale. The mansion will be closing this Fall for about a year to complete renovations that will improve historical accuracy, so if you are interested in touring soon, make sure to check it out this summer!
Local band The Atkinsons added to the festival feel of the day with their fun music. It was nice to take a break in the shade and my daughter enjoyed dancing to the tunes.
VSU’s mobile classroom engaged children and adults with their informative displays about agriculture and healthy food choices.
Helpful tips:
Helpful Tips
The Maymont-specific tents are maroon in color. Sales plants and items in these tents directly benefit Maymont. A $40+ purchase in this area only earns a free Herbs Galore Plant Tote.
Bring a wagon! So many plants and other unique garden decor items are available that you’ll need a way to easily transport your haul!
Pack sunscreen, a hat, umbrella, etc. This year the weather was beautiful, but be prepared for any quick changes.
Food trucks line up along the outer edge of the lawn.
Mini-tours of the Dooley Mansion are free to the public.
QR codes are available for self-guided tours of the botanical gardens.
Live music creates a festival feel to the day.
Look for your favorite plant early. Several vendors were low on inventory as the day progressed.
Use the Plant Check if you don’t have a bag or wagon. Helpful volunteers save your plants while you explore the grounds. Then they help stack them in boxes or pallets for you.
The event is from 8am-3pm. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid extra lines.
Have fun and ask questions! Everyone there is helpful and excited to share their expertise.
–By Regina Warriner
Regina Warriner is a local realtor, educator and mother of two who loves learning, reading, and building positive community connections. You can reach her by email: regina.warriner@metrorealtyservicesofva.com or follow her on Instagram: reginarva_realtor.
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