Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers at the 2025 Native Plant Festival Garden Tour.

Join us for the 2026 Cape Fear Native Plant Festival!

The Native Plant Alliance will host the 11th Annual Native Plant Festival from September 16–20, 2026. From the evenings of September 16–18, explore the world of native plants and sustainable landscaping through engaging educational talks at the New Hanover County Arboretum. On Saturday, September 19, visitors can shop for native plants from a variety of vendors located throughout the Cape Fear Region. The festival concludes on Sunday, September 20, with Native Plant Garden Tours, including tours at the New Hanover County Arboretum.

Please note: Native plant vendors will not be located at the Arboretum during the event.

The Mission

The mission of the Native Plant Festival is to educate the public on the benefits and importance of native plants for our local ecosystems and to promote and support native plant growers to increase the demand and supply of native plants in our region.

Festival Schedule

Wed - Fri, September 16 - 18: Evening Speaker Series

Learn from local professionals about integrating native plants, their ecological value, and how to incorporate them into your own yard. More details to come as speakers are confirmed.

• Wednesday, 9/16 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
• Thursday, 9/17 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
• Friday, 9/18 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Sat, September 19 - Native Plant Shopping Day

Locations and Vendors: Visit the following locations and shop for native plants from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Locations will be added as they are confirmed!

• The Garden Shop on Moss | Wild Magnolia Designs — 1942 Moss Street, Wilmington, NC 28403
  • Community Nursery
• Wild Bird & Garden — curbside, Hanover Center, 3501 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403
  • Going Native Gardens
  • Sorrell's Lawn Care & Nursery
• Five Oaks Oleander — 5523 Oleander Dr, Wilmington
• Farmers Supply — 2025 Oleander Dr, Wilmington
  • New Hanover County Extension Master Gardeners
• Shelton Herb Farm — 340 Goodman Rd NE, Leland, NC 28451
  • Above the Briery, LLC
  • Flytrap Jones
  • Grizz's Nursery
  • The Herbal Gnome
  • Well Fed Ed
  • Brunswick County Extension Master Gardeners
  • Going Green Magazine
• Pender Pines — 20949 US-17, Hampstead, NC 28443
  • Pender County Extension Master Gardeners

Sun, September 20 - Native Plant Garden Tours

On Sunday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., participate in a self-guided tour of garden spaces throughout New Hanover County. Explore both residential and public gardens that feature native plants and see what your yard can look like! Do you have any questions or need additional resources? The New Hanover County Master Gardener℠ volunteers will be available at each garden to assist you. Take this opportunity to learn how you can bring nature into your community and see the beauty of native plant gardening.

Tickets will be on sale beginning August 1, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET.

The Native Plant Alliance is grateful for the support of our sponsor, the Friends of the New Hanover County Arboretum.