Spring Plant Sale Brings Rare Finds to Oakland this April – Trees, Perennials, Edibles & More!
By Butch Teal, Gardens Curation and Nursery Manager
The plant sale started off many, many years ago as a fundraiser to support the establishment of the lush gardens here at Oakland. It was originally held in the ruins of the original greenhouse, completely operated by just a few volunteers and the selection was mainly of rooted cuttings and divisions from the volunteer’s home gardens.
Proceeds were used to purchase many of the now fully grown trees that provide shade throughout the cemetery. Each year the sale grew larger, more volunteers shared their time and expertise and sales increased. We were able to buy shrubs and bulbs and even some perennials to add color and texture to the Gardens. After many years, we were able to buy new tools instead of the thrift store pass-me-downs that we had worn to their nubs. Eventually, we rebuilt the greenhouse and added staff gardeners to our roster to manage the ever-expanding gardens.
Today the Spring Plant Sale is still the number one fundraiser for the Gardens at Oakland. We have expanded past the foundations of the old greenhouse into the lovely lawn of Magnolia Square, and expect hundreds of enthusiastic visitors from all skill levels and hope to sell thousands of plants.
We still have a dedicated team of volunteers giving their support, from unloading trucks to merchandising to providing expert horticulture advice. We have expanded our selection from a few donated plants to a fully curated selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, edibles and houseplants. We still have those pass-along plants that you can’t get anywhere else though!
Historic Oakland Cemetery’s annual Spring Plant Sale is on Saturday, April 5th with a special member preview on Friday, April 4th.
We will offer a curated selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, edibles and houseplants sourced from local, small nurseries.
Our members have access to a special members-only preview of the sale on Friday from 2-8 PM, giving them first priority on selecting the very best of the best plant material as well as fellowship with other members, volunteers and staff. We will have snacks, drinks, and other special surprises on hand to elevate the event from a mere plant sale to a celebration of the Gardens at Oakland Cemetery!
Please consider providing support to the Gardens at Oakland Cemetery this year. Whether it’s by purchasing plants from our Plant Sales, volunteering with our dedicated team, or making a donation, we are dependent on your continued commitment to keeping Oakland beautiful, peaceful, and safe.
