WILLIAMSBURG – The Colonial Triangle of Virginia Unit of The Herb Society of America will host its annual Herbs & More Sale on May 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at King of Glory Church, offering community members a wide variety of herbs, pollinator-friendly plants, and garden-related goods while supporting educational initiatives.
The sale, which has been held in Williamsburg since 2018, marks a return to King of Glory after several years away due to COVID-19 disruptions and venue changes.
“We’re really excited about that,” Susan Dippre said.
Dippre said the organization’s mission is “to promote the knowledge, use, and delight of herbs through educational programs, research, and sharing experience with the community.”
Attendees can expect about six tables of plants organized by categories including culinary herbs, fragrance plants and seasonal bloomers.
“We try to organize it kind of in the way people would think about their garden spaces,” Dippre said.
Rather than simply displaying plants without context, Dippre said the group carefully divides and labels selections to help shoppers understand how plants will grow, when they bloom and how they fit into home gardens.
A major emphasis is also placed on pollinator-friendly gardening.
“We’re very cognizant that, you know, we need more pollinators,” Dippre said.
She said organizers intentionally select plants that are manageable for most gardeners.
“We like to choose plants that are garden friendly for just anybody that wants to have, a flower border or just a little garden space,” Dippre said.
This year’s sale will also feature expanded space at King of Glory, allowing for easier browsing, as well as the popular “marketplace,” where members sell gently used garden-related items.
“People love the marketplace,” Dippre said. “It’s like going to an exclusive thrift store for garden people.”
The organization uses proceeds from the event to fund scholarships and internships, including support for students at William & Mary and Virginia Tech, as well as an internship program at the National Herb Garden at the U.S. National Arboretum.
In addition to the sale, Dippre said the group maintains six gardens at Colonial Williamsburg, along with gardens at the Hospice House, Jamestown Island and the Williamsburg Community Garden.
Dippre said herbs can provide beauty, culinary benefits and healthier living, particularly for those interested in cooking at home or reducing salt intake.
“It’s just an opportunity to get to know plants,” Dippre said. “It’s about educating and enriching people’s lives.”
