Spring is calling! Kick off the season with RVA Tropical & Exotic Plants.

Join us for our signature Spring Plant Swap and Maker Market inside the beautiful Kelly Education Center at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Whether you are looking to trade rare exotics, shop for unique handmade goods, or connect with the community, this is the place to be.

Sunday, March 29
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Kelly Education Center)

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Market: Shop curated selections from local plant vendors and makers in the Auditorium. Find rare specimens, everyday favorites, and handmade botanical goods!

The Swap: Bring your healthy, pest-free plants for peer-to-peer trading. To protect our local ecosystem, please ensure you do not bring any species currently listed on the Virginia invasive plant or noxious weed lists.

The Community Free Table: Open to everyone! Have extra cuttings, rehab plants, or spare pots? Drop them here to clear some shelf space. See something you like? Take it home! This is a "Take a Plant, Leave a Plant" zone for all experience levels. Please ensure all free table contributions also follow our pest-free and non-invasive guidelines.

Garden Access: Entry to the swap and market in the Kelly Education Center is completely free. If you wish to explore the full 50 acres of Lewis Ginter and catch "A Million Blooms," regular garden admission or membership applies.

FEATURED CONTEST: Vendor Showcase

We are hosting a contest for our approved vendors, and we need the community to vote! As you browse the market, keep an eye out for your favorite setups.

How to Vote:

Attendees can scan the QR code at the welcome table to cast their ballot.

The Rules:

Voting runs from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

One vote per attendee.

Winners will be announced at 3:30 PM.

The Categories & Prizes:

Community Choice (Best Overall Booth): Waived vendor fee for a future event, Custom RVA Tropical & Exotic Plants "Community Choice" badge and a dedicated member spotlight on our page!

The Exotic Showcase (Rarest/Best Plant): Custom RVA Tropical & Exotic Plants "Best in Show" badge and a dedicated member spotlight on our page.

Master Maker (Best Handmade Goods): Custom "Best in Show" badge and a dedicated member spotlight on our page.

VENDORS

Want to sell plants or handmade supplies? Vendor applications are open now. Space is limited!

Apply Here: www.rvatropicalandexoticplants.org/apply