Photo courtesy of author
The Layered Garden by David Culp
In just two weeks, more than 2,000 attendees will be gathering at River Farm on April 11 and 12 for the 2025 Spring Garden Market, presented by the American Horticultural Society. This annual outdoor shopping event will feature more than 30 vendors—from plant retailers and authors to food vendors and artisans—and the opportunity to explore River Farm’s magnificent gardens. Adding to the excitement, celebrated gardener, author, lecturer, and designer David Culp, creator of Brandywine Cottage, will also be delivering two lectures that promise to offer fresh ideas and trusted advice that will enrich gardens of all sizes.
Culp’s presence adds a unique dimension to this year’s event. Nationally renowned for his innovative gardening techniques showcased in his books, The Layered Garden and A Year at Brandywine Cottage, Culp has spent decades inspiring gardeners nationwide with his design philosophy of layering plants to create year-round beauty. On Friday, April 11, at 1 p.m., he will present “A Bountiful Year: Six Seasons of Beauty from Brandywine Cottage,” focusing on the lifestyle of Brandywine Cottage and the integration of indoor and outdoor living.
The following day, Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m., Culp will guide attendees through “The Layered Garden,” offering a virtual tour and insights into recreating the majestic displays of his Brandywine Cottage garden. He will also share his signature plants for all four seasons. These and other Brandywine Cottage plants will be for sale at the Cavano’s Perennials tent.
Beyond shopping, the Spring Garden Market offers a variety of activities for attendees to enjoy. Ask your toughest plant and gardening questions with the Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association. Learn about bluebirds from the Fairfax Master Naturalists and how they helped revitalize River Farm’s bluebird trail. Have a picnic with delicious food and beverages from Ana’s Twist, Lillian Nathalie Cake, and the always pleasing Rocklands Barbeque. Explore River Farm’s historic Manor House and beautiful gardens and trails.
Proceeds from the Spring Garden Market directly contribute to the maintenance, beautification and preservation of River Farm, headquarters of the AHS since 1973. Once part of George Washington’s farmland, the 27-acre site overlooking the Potomac River is enhanced by a blend of formal and naturalistic gardens, including a native garden, children’s garden, woodlands, and many breathtaking views. With free access to the community six days a week, River Farm is truly a local and national horticultural and historical treasure.
The Spring Garden Market is made possible thanks to its generous sponsors: Bartlett Tree Express, Hartley Botanic, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, Party Potty, Thomas J. Fannon & Sons, and Wegmans.
The 2025 Spring Garden Market will take place April 11 and 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrance may be purchased at the event or online in advance at www.ahsgardening.org/spring-garden-market. Entry fee is $5 per individual (walkers, cyclists) or $20 per car which includes parking and entry for all passengers. There is no entry fee or parking fee for AHS members including car passengers. Children six years of age and under are free. Additional restrictions and exceptions are available on the Spring Garden Market webpage.
River Farm is located at 7931 E. Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, Virginia 22308. Current hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free entry and parking (excluding special events). For more information, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 114 or visit www.ahsgardening.org.
