Spring Begins Here

with two annual events you don’t want to miss.

Join the NC State Extension Master Gardenerâ„  volunteers of Durham County for our annual Plant Festival and Plant Sale to find expert guidance and reliable, well-grown plants for the season.

Two events.

One trusted source.

721 Foster Street

Two events give Durham gardeners a dependable way to learn, explore, and bring home plants that thrive.

Whether you’re preparing your first patio garden or refreshing established beds, you’ll find reliable plants and clear, science-based guidance from trained Master Gardener volunteers.

What you’ll find at the Plant Festival

Held one to two weeks before the sale, the Plant Festival brings together Master Gardener volunteers and community partners for a morning of learning, discovery, and hands-on exploration — all free and open to all ages.

  • Practical demonstrations on composting, pollinators, and bird-friendly habitats

  • Master Gardener volunteer experts available to answer gardening questions

  • Early look at many of the plants that will be featured in the annual sale

  • Family-friendly activities and opportunities to explore local garden resources

What you’ll find at the Plant Sale

The annual Plant Sale features a curated selection of healthy, regionally suited plants grown and selected by Extension Master Gardener volunteers. You’ll find options for every space and experience level, along with clear guidance to help you choose what will thrive.

The sale runs from 10 am to noon or until sold out. Come early for the best selection and stay later for the best prices, as everything must go. Please bring a box or two.

Plants are not available for online purchase.

  • Native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, vegetables, and herbs

  • Houseplants and specialty varieties grown by Master Gardener volunteers

  • Reliable, well-grown plants suited for Durham’s climate and conditions

  • On-site advice from Master Gardener volunteers to match plants to your garden

Images from 2025 Plant Sale, compliments of EMG photographer Allie Mullin. See the Plant Festival page for photos from past Festivals.

Two spring events rooted in learning and community

What began as the Backyard Treasures Plant Sale - a small fundraiser built on sharing favorite passalongs - has grown into a thoughtfully curated selection of quality plants propagated or grown by Extension Master Gardener volunteers. Proceeds support the Durham EMG program and its mission to share science-based horticultural knowledge throughout the community.

The Plant Festival was started in 2023 to bring together community partners, cooperative extension affiliates, and EMG volunteer gardening experts, as a way to share a wealth of knowledge and experience while highlighting the plants in the upcoming sale.