POIs: The State Arboretum

The annual Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Fair at Blandy Experimental Farm, the home of the State Arboretum of Virginia, is set for Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, from 9:00 am – 4 pm.

In its 35th year, this Mother’s Day Garden Fair tradition will host more than 60 vendors selling the best selection of native plants, annuals, perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, garden tools, nature-inspired crafts and more! Environmental education groups, a children’s scavenger hunt, music, fun food and arboretum tours will round out the festive fair held on the picturesque grounds of Blandy and the State Arboretum of Virginia.

“This much anticipated annual Garden Fair is one of the first of the year and brings thousands of garden enthusiasts from all across the region and far beyond to be the first to purchase the season’s best plants,” says Melanie Mullinax, Communications and Events Manager. “Our vendor list includes Garden Fair long-time favorites as well as new plant and craft vendors. And of course, everyone that shops at Garden Fair also enjoys the added benefit of spending the day close to nature, on Blandy’s beautiful grounds.”

Garden Fair is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Foundation of the State Arboretum, the nonprofit that supports Blandy Experimental Farm and the State Arboretum’s varied collections and public education programs.

Garden Fair is held rain or shine. Event tickets are $10/car in advance, or $20/car at the gate. Tickets are good for admission both days.

Purchase advance tickets on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-garden-fair-at-blandy-experimental-farm-tickets-1296067034389?aff=oddtdtcreator
Visit Blandy’s website to learn more about Garden Fair https://blandy.virginia.edu/garden-fair

About Blandy Experimental Farm
Blandy Experimental Farm is a 712-acre University of Virginia research facility in Clarke County, Virginia. The purpose of Blandy is to increase the understanding of the natural environment through research and education. Blandy is also home to the State Arboretum of Virginia, which occupies the central 172 acres of Blandy. Blandy is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year and includes walking trails, self-guided tours, gardens, a Native Plant Trail and more. www.blandy.virginia.edu