Maymont’s beloved Herbs Galore plant sale returns April 25 with 70-plus vendors and a special centennial planting project

There’s a reason Herbs Galore has become a springtime ritual for Richmond gardeners. More than 70 nurseries, specialty growers and artisanal vendors spread across Maymont’s six-acre Carriage House Lawn, and whether you’re a seasoned plant collector or someone who just wants a few tomato starts for the patio, the selection runs deep: herbs, flowers, vegetables, shrubs, native plants and nature-inspired accessories.

This year’s event takes place Saturday, April 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A centennial twist

Maymont is marking 100 years as a public space in 2026, and Herbs Galore is folding the celebration into the day with a community planting project along Dooley Creek. The goal is to plant thousands of native perennials along the creek’s riparian buffer, and organizers are asking every visitor to plant at least one during their trip.

“At Herbs Galore, you can find everything from asters to zinnias, and also lend a hand in adding a touch of color to this historic landscape,” said Parke Richeson, Maymont’s president and CEO.

More than just shopping

Beyond the plant vendors, the day includes live music from the Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra, talks and Q&As with plant experts, hands-on crafts for all ages and local food trucks. Admission also gets you into free mini-tours of Maymont Mansion, audio tours of the historic Italian Garden and entry to The Robins Nature Center.

For anyone who doesn’t want to haul bags of plants around all morning, there’s a free plant-check area where you can park your purchases and explore the grounds during peak blooming season. A temporary loading zone near the check area makes the end-of-day car trip painless.

Tickets and pricing

Advance purchase is recommended. Admission is $10 per person, $6 for children ages 1 to 16 and seniors 65 and older, and free for Maymont members and Museums for All participants. Museums for All guests can reserve free admission for up to four people by presenting an EBT card in person on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays at The Robins Nature Center or Stone Barn Welcome Center between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., or at check-in on event day. Tickets are available at Maymont.org, and all proceeds support the nonprofit Maymont Foundation.

Extra events for the dedicated gardener

The Thursday before Herbs Galore, April 23 at 6 p.m., Curator Kathy Garrett-Cox and Senior Manager of Horticulture Sean Proietti are leading a talk and tour focused on the history and preservation of Maymont’s Italian Garden. Registration is $18, or $15 for members, and takes place in Maymont’s Garden Hall.

On event day, two Mixed Herbs Container Garden Workshops run at Maymont Farm from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m. All supplies are included in the $60 registration ($51 for members).

Getting there

Free parking is available at the Hampton Street entrance (1700 Hampton Street), The Robins Nature Center (2201 Shields Lake Drive) and Maymont Farm (1001 Spottswood Road). Neighborhood parking is limited, so ride-sharing and public transit are encouraged. The event is rain or shine, tickets are non-refundable unless Maymont cancels, and the grounds are reserved for event attendees until 3 p.m. before reopening to the public at 7 p.m.