Nearly 1,000 people attend 2024 Plant Sale and Pollinator Festival June 8 at Deep Run Park Recreation Center

Nearly 1,000 people attended the Henrico Master Gardener’s sixth annual Plant Sale and Pollinator Festival on Saturday, June 8, in the Recreation Center at Deep Run Park in Henrico’s West End.

Master Gardeners sold plants from their gardens at bargain prices as well as floral arrangements and gently used gardening items at the “Garden Treasures” table. More than 3,000 plants, including 250 different species, were offered for sale.

The event also included educational displays; musical entertainment by William “Tripp” and Jenny Johnson, part of the Cary Street Ramblers; and the Sandtopia Food Truck.

Henrico Master Gardeners provided displays about native and invasive plants, pollinators, insects, a plant clinic table to answer questions, speaker presentations, and information about programs offered by the Henrico Cooperative Extension and the Henrico Master Gardener Association. Junior Master Gardeners offered hands-on children’s activities, story time, vermiculture, and a photo booth where families could take pictures of their children posing as butterflies.

Exhibitors included the Virginia Native Plant Society (Pocahontas Chapter), Plant Virginia Natives, Wild Ones, LERN (Local Ecotype Richmond Natives Nonprofit), the Virginia Herpetological Society, Dandelion Springs Apiary, Keep Henrico Beautiful, Riverine Master Naturalists, and the Division of Natural Heritage and the Virginia Department of Forestry presenting their James River Buffer Program.

Henrico Master Gardeners are volunteers who act on behalf of the Henrico County Extension Office as educators within the community. They receive specialized training in environmental horticulture through the Virginia Cooperative Extension program. The annual plant sale benefits Master Gardener programs and horticulture scholarships.

Last year, the plant sale drew more than 1,000 people who bought over 3,000 perennials, shrubs, trees, herbs, and houseplants of approximately 400 varieties.

“The Henrico Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale offers high-quality, homegrown plants at low prices while also providing a fun and educational experience for everyone,” said co-chair Nadine Oswald. “We are excited to showcase a wide variety of plants and gardening items, along with engaging activities for children and informative displays for gardeners of all ages.”

Deep Run Park is located at 9900 Ridgefield Parkway in western Henrico County.