Exciting Times in Chattanooga: Fall Plant Sale and Festival This Weekend!
This weekend, the beautiful city of Chattanooga is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of nature and community. Mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Fall Plant Sale and Festival, happening this Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at the serene Crabtree Farms. If you’re a plant lover, or just looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
What to Expect
At this year’s fall festival, visitors can look forward to a fantastic selection of edible and ornamental plants, as well as regionally appropriate plant varieties. Meghan Lewis, the Event and Administration Coordinator at Crabtree Farms, shared that attendees will find an array of annuals, perennials, herbs, and even medicinal plants available for sale. With nearly 36 local vendors joining the festivities, there will also be a space for artisans to showcase and sell their unique crafts and creations.
If you’re environmentally conscious, you’ll be thrilled to know that this year’s event introduces a re-filling station. Visitors are encouraged to bring their plastic containers, where they can refill with natural soaps, lotions, cleansers, and other eco-friendly products. A handy vendor will even sharpen your culinary knives and garden tools. And of course, no festival is complete without food trucks! They’ll be on-site both days, ready to satisfy your hunger with tasty options.
A Tradition of Growth
Crabtree Farms has a rich history of supporting community and sustainable gardening practices. The plant sale tradition started over two decades ago, originally catering to the needs of local farmers who had extra seedlings after planting their crops. What began as a small sale with just one table has blossomed into a community staple — now featuring thousands of plants!
As Lewis puts it, “This has grown into something that people plan their year around.” The fall plant sale showcases plants that are carefully selected to foster a healthy ecosystem, focusing on both native and non-invasive species ideal for fall gardening. It’s not just about the plants, though; it’s also a unique chance to learn about the farm’s deep history and its connection to the land.
Connecting with the Community
This rich tapestry of history stems from a land that has always been agricultural. The Cherokee were the last known inhabitants before colonization, eventually being forcefully removed. The land later saw the establishment of the Oakland Plantation in the early 1800s, where enslaved people worked the crops. The stories woven into the soil are something that the team at Crabtree Farms honors every single day.
Community connection is a key focus as well. In a recent address, Chattanooga’s mayor mentioned the ongoing development of a Greenway Belt that will link the Riverfront walkway to Crabtree Farms, encouraging more visitors from nearby neighborhoods, such as Alton Park. Lewis is excited about potential plans for that walkway, envisioning features like a food forest, natural playground areas, and educational spots that tell the story of Crabtree Farms.
Support Your Local Farm
In addition to the plant sale, Crabtree Farms offers a variety of year-round workshops and classes focusing on gardening and sustainability. The farm thrives on community support, relying on donations, fundraising events, and dedicated “sustainers” to cover operational costs. Proceeds from the fall plant sale and festival will directly contribute to educational programs and community gardening efforts, so you’re not just shopping; you’re making a difference!
With all this to look forward to, grab your gardening gloves and come support your local farm! We can’t wait to see you at Crabtree Farms this weekend to celebrate all things green and glorious!
