The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University celebrated the arrival of fall with a successful preview party for its annual Fall Plant Sale on Friday evening, October 24, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic plant lovers for an evening of music, dining, and, of course, plant purchases.
On Friday evening, October 24, 2025, the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University welcomed members to its much-loved Fall Plant Sale Preview Party, a picturesque and casual evening filled with conversation, music, and nature’s beauty.
The event, held under clear skies and mild autumn temperatures, drew an RSVP-only crowd of 266 members who came ready to mingle, shop, and celebrate their shared love of plants.
“The plant sale is one of our most anticipated events of the year,” said Todd Beasley, Director of the Botanic Garden. “It’s a chance for the community to explore a diverse collection of plants, support the garden, and take home living pieces of the season. We strive to offer many selections not commonly available.”
(Left-Right) Randy & Trish Morton, Hoke Brunson, Robert Tanner, Martha Ann Tanner | Photo by Michele LeBlanc
Guests arrived with wagons in tow, ready to fill them with fresh fall treasures, from native and heirloom selections to edible plants, herbs, and seasonal color. This year’s theme spotlighted a special ‘Deer-Resistant Collection,’ offering homeowners and landscapers beautiful, practical solutions for the season.
The sale featured more than 250 varieties of plants, including 15 types of native azaleas and the rarely available Vaccinium arboreum (sparkleberry), a versatile, underused Southern gem.
Soft 70s and 80s music by Austin Williams floated through the garden, creating a relaxing and memorable ambiance as guests enjoyed a delicious meal catered by A Forceful Taste, featuring spaghetti (meat or vegetarian sauces), salad, bread, apple turnovers, and wine and beer.
Entertainment by Austin Williams | Photo by Michele LeBlanc
Longtime members Mike and Verdery Kennedy reflected, “We love the variety of programs, the beautiful seasonal flowers, and the wonderful spaces. One even hosted our grandson’s proposal to his fiance, now wife. The Garden truly serves as a center for arts, music, and environmental endeavors in Statesboro.”
Enjoying the music & conversation in the Garden (seated) Sara Dixon and (from left) Verdery & Mike Kennedy, Rob Dixon | Photo by Michele LeBlanc
Gail Dismuke, another garden member, added, “I support the Garden because it educates and connects all who love plants and the outdoors. The sales offer both learning opportunities and friendships.”
By all accounts, this year’s Fall Plant Sale was a resounding success: a blend of community spirit, education, and enjoyment that perfectly reflected the garden’s mission. Kathy Tucker, Education Coordinator, shared with delight: “It was perfect weather for a perfect event: pleasant, well-attended, and filled with great energy.”
The public sale followed throughout the weekend with shuttles and overflow parking provided. Proceeds from all sales directly benefit the Botanic Garden’s mission to inspire, educate, and connect the community with nature’s enduring beauty.
For more information visit https://.www.georgiasouthern.edu/campuses/visit/botanic-garden/ or follow the Botanic Garden At Georgia Southern University on social media.
Comments are closed.