PRESS RELEASE: HERBS GALORE 2023

Richmond, Virginia – The Herbs Galore plant sale sprouts up on the Carriage House Lawn at Maymont on Saturday, April 29, from 8am–3pm, featuring over 70 plant and gardening-related vendors from across Central Virginia in a massive one-day-only plant sale. Herbs Galore takes place when Maymont is in full bloom, offering gardeners plenty of inspiration, plus live music entertainment and a tempting selection of food vendors to keep fueled up all day.

Plant lovers are encouraged to bring a wagon to fill with an array of plants and products for gardeners — rare and common herbs, annuals, perennials, trees, vegetables, herbal products and accessories — everything they need to stock their gardens or window boxes. Participating vendors include Colesville Nursery as well as specialized purveyors of pepper plants, easy-to-grow succulents and popular native species, plus specialty products like hand-crafted garden accessories and edible treats derived from herbs. Check out the full list of vendors here.

The Maymont Garden Hub will spotlight ginger (Zingiber officinale), named 2023 Herb of the Year by the International Herb Association. Shoppers can take home a special ginger-themed tote bag with qualifying purchases of Maymont accessories and goodies featuring the herb of the year, along with a huge selection of plants cultivated by Maymont’s horticulturists.

For hard-core shoppers, Herbs Galore features a plant-check area, a loading zone and a gardening book exchange — participants are encouraged to bring books to give away or to swap for ones they haven’t read. For everyone, this year’s Herbs Galore offers a food court with seating and a tent staffed with Maymont educators who will teach kids about pollinators, planting seeds and foraging for edible plants. New this year, admission also includes mini-tours of the Maymont Mansion and access to The Robins Nature Center, as well as the entire 100-acre grounds.

“Herbs Galore is one of Maymont’s signature experiences,” said Parke Richeson, Maymont Executive Director. “Gardening enthusiasts from across the region are invited to enjoy the gardens while they’re in peak bloom, chat with our horticulture experts, and explore all that Maymont has to offer.”

Advance tickets are recommended. Admission is $10 per person, $5 for children ages 3-12, and free for Maymont members and participants in the Museums for All program*. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Maymont.org/Herbs. Event proceeds benefit Maymont. The event is rain or shine, and tickets are non-refundable, except in the case that Maymont cancels the event. Free parking is available by the Hampton Street entrance (1700 Hampton Street) or The Robins Nature Center (2201 Shields Lake Drive), as well as on-street parking. The Maymont Farm parking lot and gates will be closed until 4 pm.

Event admission may also be purchased in person in advance on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays by visiting The Robins Nature Center or Stone Barn Welcome Center between 10am–5pm. *Museums for All participants may reserve free event admission for themselves and up to 3 guests by presenting an EBT card at these locations or at check-in on the day of the event.

Maymont is a well-preserved, historic 100-acre American estate overlooking the James River that was given to the public by James and Sallie Dooley, who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Today, Maymont is a welcoming community gathering place, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, an arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Consistently ranked one of Central Virginia’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike, Maymont serves over 700,000 guests annually, with free admission to the grounds, plus guided and self-guided tours, seasonal events, programs and rental spaces. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating programs and experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.  

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Note to editors: photos from previous Herbs Galore events are available upon request to mabernathy@maymont.org.