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LSU Hilltop Arboretum PlantFest! 2023
October 29, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The LSU Hilltop Arboretum will hold its 40th annual PlantFest! on Saturday, October 28 from 9 am-4 pm and Sunday, October 29 from 12-4 pm at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum, 11855 Highland Road between Bluebonnet and Siegen Lane.
The 40th anniversary of our fall plant sale celebrates decades of masterfully collecting people and plants and bringing them together in the unique natural space that is the LSU Hilltop Arboretum. This year’s botanical offerings will feature a feast of native and traditional trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, ferns (best selection in BR!), gingers, camellias, edibles, ornamental grasses and more. Over 3,000 plants representing over 300 species will be available that have been sourced from reputable and trusted nurseries in Texas and Louisiana.
New to this year’s sale will be Swamp Fly, a women-owned environmental landscape firm, who will provide consultation and design services as well as installation and maintenance tips for your plants, natives in particular. Swamp Fly inspires ecological wonder and brings sensorial beauty to the landscape through their work with both residential and commercial clients in Baton Rouge and beyond. As in the past, a small number of “Hilltop plant people” will also be available to assist with your plant selection and help you find the right plants for your space. Whether you are looking to compose a colorful plant vignette, attract butterflies, or go native, we are here to help!
In addition to the plant sale, PlantFest! will provide additional opportunities to engage visitors. We are excited to host a Children’s Activity Tent this year where volunteers will lead children through a nature-inspired activity and shower them with fall-inspired take home treats. We invite you to visit the adjacent Vendor’s Village, Hilltop Gift Shop, and “Yarden” (aka. garage) Sale while you’re here, as there’s sure to be something for everyone! Please refer to the Shopping Guidelines and Map for locations. All plants, Hilltop gift shop and Yarden items are tax-free during PlantFest!
Current members of the Friends of Hilltop will receive an invitation to the members-only plant sale where shoppers will have first pick of plants available at PlantFest! The sale will be held on Wednesday, October 25 from 9 am – 6 pm. Become a member at the $35 Violet level by Thursday, October 12, 2023, to receive a 20% in savings (tax and membership benefit) on plants purchased during the two days of the sale and a 10% discount in the gift shop. Members at the $50 Azalea level and above will receive the additional benefit of free admission to the PlantFest! Teaser on Sunday, October 15.
One week prior to the sale, check the website (www.lsu.edu/hilltop) for a list of the plants being offered at PLANTFEST!