The Dixon Garden Fair, our annual plant sale, can feel like a whirlwind of joyful excitement, especially for a first-time visitor.

Arriving by happenstance on plant sale weekend may feel a bit like walking into a lively party where everyone seems to know one another. But from another perspective, it may also be the start of something new.

Spring at the Dixon is a season of beginnings, and this year, perhaps more than ever, that spirit of renewal can be felt throughout the gardens. The plant sale is no exception. What may seem at first like a bustling marketplace of wagons, wish lists, and eager gardeners quickly reveals itself to be something more: a place of discovery, generosity, and connection.

On Member Preview Day, guests of all ages begin arriving as early as 11 AM, well before the gates open at noon.

There is anticipation in the air as visitors wait to shop, compare notes, and plan their route through the sale. Many longtime Dixon members return year after year, but even for those arriving alone, there is a camaraderie that seems to bloom in the line itself. Conversations begin over favorite annuals, full-sun containers, or what’s thriving at home, and by the time you reach checkout, you may very well have made a new friend.

That spirit of welcome is part of what makes the sale so special, and much of that is thanks to the extraordinary volunteers who help bring the event to life. Composed of Madd Potters, Memphis Garden Club members, and dedicated gardening enthusiasts, these volunteers are at the heart of the sale. If you see someone in a green apron, know that help is never far away. Whether you are searching for the right plant, looking for care advice, or simply finding your way through the excitement, they are eager to lend their knowledge and kindness.

Their generosity is woven throughout the experience.

A special thank you to the many volunteers whose patience and expertise helped visitors leave inspired and ready to grow. Their work makes the Dixon Garden Fair not only possible, but deeply rewarding for the community it serves.

For many, the plant sale is a beloved tradition. For others, it may be a first visit and the beginning of a lifelong connection to gardening or to the Dixon itself. However you arrive, we hope you leave with something more than a new plant: perhaps a bit of knowledge, a new friendship, and the joy of being part of a community in bloom.

If you see one of our volunteers during your visit, be sure to say hello. They are among the many reasons the Dixon Garden Fair continues to grow, year after year.