The Hilltop Arboretum celebrated its 23rd annual Plantfest under the shady trees of the University’s botanical sanctuary this weekend.
Plantfest featured more than 5,000 plants from many local nurseries in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Texas.
“The idea is to really provide quality plants that may not be necessarily available in this area but will grow here,” said Charlotte Lancaster, Hilltop Arboretum executive director.
Vendors sold plants and trees including vines, hibiscuses, ferns, oak trees, elm trees and several plant bulbs.
Some local vendors included Nature’s Best Organics, Harb’s Oasis Garden Center, Maypop Hill Nursery and Coyote Creek, Inc.
“The folks from Nature’s Best Organics have natural and organic soil in Baton Rouge,” Lancaster said. “That’s something a lot of gardeners like to get, but it’s hard to find.”
Shawn Castleman from Nature’s Best Organics said all of the material that the company sells is recycled wood waste from East Baton Rouge.
“There’s a lot of activity, and I’m pleased to see such a good turnout,” Castleman said.
Betty Miley from Maypop Hill Nursery in Norwood, La. sold cardinal flowers, mistflowers and summer huckleberries, but said her bestseller was native wildflowers on Saturday.
“I’m glad people come learn about plants and talk about the environment,” she said. “I talk to a lot of people about the environmental impact people have, especially homeowners.”
Miley refers customers to her book, “A Louisiana Gardener’s Notebook.”
“It’s a short discussion of proper ways to garden and grow native plants, large trees down to wildflowers,” she said.
Bob Dillemuth, whose hobby is gardening, sold a variety of oak and hickory trees. He has been involved with Plantfest since 1986.
“It’s something I enjoy,” he said. “I’ve certainly learned a lot from all the various kinds of people that I’ve worked with.”
Dillemuth’s parents knew Emory Smith who donated the Hilltop Arboretum’s 14 acres of land to the University.
Baker resident Frances Johnson, who bought a few ginger varieties Saturday, said she has been going to Plantfest for three years.
“There are a lot of unusual plants that I can’t find in nurseries,” she said.
The Hilltop Arboretum’s next garden tour will be Oct. 15.
—–Contact Angelle Barbazon at [email protected]