Blooms and Blossoms: 34th Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Fair at Blandy Farm

The picturesque Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, Virginia, will host the 34th Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Fair, inviting enthusiasts to celebrate the beauty of spring amidst blooming flora. Scheduled for May 11-12, 2024, from 9 am to 4 pm, this enduring event coincides with the blossoms of the State Arboretum of Virginia, providing a perfect backdrop for families celebrating Mother’s Day.

Getting ready for the Garden Fair.

Attracting visitors from a radius of up to 300 miles, including those from Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, Warren, and Loudoun Counties, the Garden Fair is renowned for its wide variety of native plants, annuals, perennials, herbs, trees, and shrubs. Beyond plants, attendees can shop for garden tools and nature-inspired crafts and enjoy an array of children’s activities, music, and delectable food options. Melanie Mullinax, Communications and Events Manager at Blandy, emphasized the fair’s role as a seasonal highlight, drawing thousands of plant lovers eager to explore new and favorite vendors alike.

As the principal fundraising event for the Foundation of the State Arboretum, the Garden Fair plays a crucial role in supporting the Arboretum’s educational programs and the maintenance of its diverse plant collections. “Shopping at the Garden Fair is more than just making a purchase—it’s about enjoying and contributing to the preservation of nature,” Mullinax noted.

Rain or shine, the event promises a weekend of natural beauty and community spirit. Tickets are priced at $10 per car in advance, available through Eventbrite, or $15 at the gate, with each ticket valid for both days of the fair.

Blandy Experimental Farm, a 712-acre University of Virginia research facility, is devoted to enhancing the understanding of the natural environment. Its grounds, which house the State Arboretum of Virginia, are open to the public year-round, featuring walking trails, gardens, and a Native Plant Trail for educational tours.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Blandy Experimental Farm website at www.blandy.virginia.edu.