BY ALICIA HAMILTON
Every September, during the Arboretum Fall Plant Sale, our Cloney-Harris Plant Nursery comes alive with community, curiosity, and the thrill of finding just the right plant. You’ll hear visitors asking questions like, “What does the flower look like on this?”, “Do you have any more of these?” or saying, “I don’t know what this is, but I think we need it for our garden.”
The nursery’s inventory reflects the generosity of local gardeners—who donate the plants—and the care of the volunteers who maintain them. Shoppers return year after year for one-of-a-kind finds, woodland perennials, interesting edibles, and native species—all locally grown and ready to thrive in nearby yards and gardens.
Plants propagated by the Pat Calvert Greenhouse program are also featured in the sale. Greenhouse volunteers work year-round to cultivate healthy, high-quality plants from seed and cuttings. Most of the young trees and shrubs they grow are propagated from specimens in the Arboretum collection, some of which are very rare or unusual in cultivation.
Together, these two programs showcase the deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and generosity of the Arboretum’s volunteer community. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a curious first-time visitor, you’re invited to come explore, connect, and take something home to grow. Funds from our plant sale help support core programs at the Arboretum, including volunteerism!
This year’s sale is on Saturday, September 13, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Graham Visitors Center. Can’t make it? No worries! You can also browse and shop at the nursery any day of the week, April through September, and at the greenhouse any day of the week year-round. More info about our plant programs.
Alicia Hamilton is the Volunteers Programs Manager at the Arboretum Foundation.
