The Native Plant Alliance will host the 11th Annual Cape Fear Native Plant Festival from September 16–20, 2025, with evening talks at the New Hanover County Arboretum followed by a full weekend of activities. On Saturday, September 19, the festival’s Native Plant Shopping Day brings together growers and gardeners across the region for one big celebration of native plants.

You’ll find the Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers at Shelton Herb Farm (340 Goodman Rd NE, Leland) with a welcoming booth focused on native plants and pollinators. We’ll have easy-to-use handouts to help you choose the right plant for the right place, soil sample kits with instructions for submitting soil tests, and EMG volunteers ready to answer questions about plant selection, site prep, watering, and long-term care.

While you’re there, shop a great lineup of vendors at Shelton Herb Farm—Above the Briery, Flytrap Jones, Grizz’s Nursery, The Herbal Gnome, and Wild Meadow Farm—and discover native trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses that support pollinators and thrive in our coastal conditions.

Other information tables include Cape Fear's Going Green, Cape Fear River Watch, Ken Hackney (native snake guy), and Coastal Wildlife Alliance.

And if you get hungry … Well Fed Ed and the Botanical Coffee Bus will be there too!

This festival’s mission is to educate the public about the benefits and importance of native plants and to promote and support native plant growers across our region. We’re excited to be part of it—stop by our booth to get tailored advice, pick up resources, and leave confident about your next native-plant project.