75 Years of Spring Plant Sale

Spring Plant Sale has been a Denver staple for 75 years. In 1949 it started its journey as a plant auction and antique sale by the Colorado Forestry and Horticulture Association (CFHA) who later merged with Denver Botanic Gardens. The fundraiser drew in plants hand selected by the CFHA and loyal patrons who would scavenge their basements for nicknacks and odds and ends to contribute to the sale. Eventually, antiques were dropped, and the focus turned solely on plants. 

Each year on Mother’s Day Weekend, these coveted plants would be brought before an audience eager to bid on them. The auctioneer called out a starting price. Participant competed, increasing the price, until the largest bid finally won. The plants were beautiful, but the public knew bids paid for more than just the plants. The auction was primarily a fundraiser for the Gardens, allowing the facility to grow in outreach and offerings.

While we may not have the cries of an auctioneer echoing at the institution anymore, Spring Plant Sale has grown tremendously! From vegetables to aquatics, water-smart to gardens-in-a-bag and everything between, our team has worked hard to cultivate this event into something extraordinary. Still held the Friday and Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, guests and their families can take advantage of free access to the Gardens while strolling through the wide array of plants waiting to be taken home. 

This sale couldn’t happen without the dedication of all our amazing volunteers and supporters who have been the backbone of the event for 75 years. Now, with over 67,000 plants available for purchase, our team and volunteers work tirelessly the week of the sale to make something beautiful.

While the size and impact of the sale has changed, along with the fashion, our purpose remains the same: reaching the Denver community and bringing knowledge and access to plant life in our region. 

Join us this May to discover our 75th Spring Plant Sale! Members get 10% off purchases. Admission is free but reservations must be made in advance. Reserve your spot today.
 

Take a peek at some historical photos from Spring Plant Sale. Most are undated; dates included when noted on back of photo.