Photo courtesy of AHS
AHS Spring Garden Market at River Farm.
The American Horticultural Society (AHS) presents the ultimate two-day shopping experience, the Spring Garden Market, on Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at River Farm in Alexandria. Join fellow gardening enthusiasts, 30-plus vendors, food trucks, and the ever-popular alpacas for family-friendly festivities on the beautiful 25-acre historic property along the Potomac. Last year, AHS welcomed more than 2,000 visitors to the event. This year, the AHS celebrates 50 years at River Farm!
For the first time in its history, tickets to the Spring Garden Market will be available to purchase in advance online at www.ahsgardening.org/sgm. Entry fee is $5 per individual or $20 per car to park (including entry for all passengers). Fees are waived for AHS members with membership card or current issue of AHS’s members-exclusive magazine, The American Gardener. Additional fee exceptions are available on the AHS website.* Tickets may also be purchased onsite the day of the event.
Photo courtesy of AHS
AHS Spring Garden Market at River Farm.
River Farm, headquarters of AHS, is where the 100-year-old organization lives its mission to promote excellence in horticulture nationwide. River Farm is also a local treasure where generations of families have come to play with their children, walk their dogs and celebrate milestone moments. Proceeds from the Spring Garden Market go directly to River Farm’s stewardship including routine maintenance, beautification projects, and increased accessibility for the public to enjoy now and into the future.
What to do at the Spring Garden Market? Shop for natives, specialty plants, herbs, and much more. Browse garden-themed art, books, tools and garden accessories. View garden-themed paintings by local artists. Take a guided tour of the Manor House, an 18th century home once lived in by Tobias Lear, the personal secretary of George Washington. Ask a Master Gardener your gardening questions. Taste savory and sweet delights from local eateries. Explore River Farm’s blooming gardens featuring 16,000 tulips. Walk the trails along the Potomac River.
Photo courtesy of AHS
AHS Spring Garden Market at River Farm
While water and beverages will be available to purchase at the event, AHS recommends bringing a bottle of water, sunscreen, and box or bag to carry your purchases. BYOW! Bring your own wagon, as a limited number of wagons will be available for use.
The 2023 vendors to date include: Acer Acres Japanese Maples; AlteredEco; Bashford & Pitt; Baskit, don’t bag it; Bees and Beetles, Blended Farms, Blue Ridge Gardens, Bruce Ciske Pottery, Cymron Cottage Nursery; Down the Garden Path; Elodie’s Naturals; Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association; Hill House Farm & Nursery; Hooray 4 Books; John Wasowicz; Kino Alpaca Criations; Lillian Nathalie Cake; Little Hat Creek Farm; Nature by Design; Nomadico Shop; Peasant’s Parcel; Persimmon Street Ceramics; Pine Knot Farm; Radical Roots Community Farm; Rocklands; SeedEd Farm; Seven Bends Nursery; Shade Metals; So Many Flowers; The Natural Garden; Tree Stone Steps; Written Graciously; and more to come!
AHS would like to thank its 2023 Spring Garden Market sponsors and donors (to date): The Peele Group, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, Harry and Grace Rissetto, Wegmans, Fort Hunt Plumbing, and Thomas J. Fannon & Sons. Media and marketing partners include: Alexandria Living Magazine, The Zebra Press and Linemark. Food sponsors include: Rocklands Barbeque & Grilling Company and Flame & Cones Food Truck.
River Farm is located at 7931 E. Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, Virginia 22308. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Free entry and parking (excluding special events). For more information, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 114 or visit www.ahsgardening.org.
The American Horticultural Society (AHS), founded in 1922, is an educational, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that recognizes and promotes excellence in American horticulture. One of the oldest and most prestigious gardening organizations, AHS is dedicated to sharing with all Americans the critical role of plants, gardens, and green spaces in creating healthy, livable communities and a sustainable planet. To learn more, visit www.ahsgardening.org.
* Entry fee is $5 per individual or $20 per car to park (including entry for all passengers). AHS members are free with membership card or current issue of the AHS members-only magazine, The American Gardener. Children six years of age and under are free as well as participants of Alexandria Historic Garden Week with Garden Week wristband. Parking on East Boulevard is prohibited by Fairfax County. No refunds. Rain or shine.
