
Press Release
Media Contact:
Melissa Abernathy, Communications Manager
mabernathy@maymont.org
804-358-7166, ext. 315
March 27, 2024
Herbs Galore at Maymont Grows to 90 Vendors Across 5 Acres on Saturday, April 27
Richmond, Virginia – The Herbs Galore plant sale returns to Maymont with a bumper crop of vendors on Saturday, April 27, from 8am–3pm. Bigger than ever, this year’s event features 90 plant and gardening-related vendors spread out across five acres on the Carriage House Lawn, along with live music, crafts and fun activities for all ages at the Education Station presented by Genworth. A variety of food vendors will have tempting treats for a picnic or a quick refreshment. Herbs Galore takes place when much of Maymont is in prime bloom, offering gardeners plenty of inspiration if they choose to roam the 100-acre grounds.
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 booth offer a variety of popular culinary herbs, plants and gardening accessories for sale, and will feature yarrow (Achillea millefolium) a summer-blooming member of the aster family that produces long-lasting blossoms in flat-topped clusters in a variety of colors. Popular with pollinators and herbalists, yarrow has been selected by the International Herb Association as 2024 Herb of the Year!
“Herbs Galore is a great place for expert gardeners and beginners alike to learn about different plants, and chat with experienced plant growers,” said Parke Richeson, Maymont President and CEO. “It’s also one of the best times to explore all that Maymont has to offer, especially while the gardens are in bloom.”
For hard-core shoppers, Herbs Galore features a plant-check area, a loading zone and an outdoor food court with refreshments and seating. A festive new element this year for anyone 21 and older will be a selection of adult beverages, including beer, wine and sangria. Throughout the day, Maymont educators will offer crafts and activities at the Education Station presented by Genworth. Event admission includes entry to The Robins Nature Center, as well as the entire 100-acre grounds.
The week prior, in conjunction with The Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, April 20-27, the Stone Barn Welcome Center will be open with exhibits of historic artifacts from the Maymont Mansion collection and the opportunity to enjoy self-guided audio tours that narrate the history of the Italian Garden and the landscaping around the Mansion.
Advance tickets are recommended. Admission is $10 per person, $5 for children ages 3-16, 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 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