Welcome to the SAPS home page!
The Southern Appalachian Plant Society (SAPS) – a non-profit educational organization interested in promoting sound horticultural practices in our homes and communities. Our members are horticulturists, Master Gardeners, and gardening hobbyists. Click here to learn more about becoming a member of SAPS.
SAPS NEWS & EVENTS
*************************************************************************************************
The April 2026 Wheelbarrow is published!! Check it out here.
*************************************************************************************************
April 16
SAPS meeting at BrightRidge Auditorium, 7pm. *****Please note location change to BrightRidge*****
Kim Whiston – How to Successfully Grow Hydrangeas. 7 pm.
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular and easy-to-grow ornamental garden plants. Learn about the different types of hydrangeas and how to select from the almost endless choices on the market including dwarf varieties and ones that tolerate more sun. Kim will also explain how to grow and care for them.
**Parking at BrightRidge**
Because our meeting is after their business hours, we can park in any available parking space including those marked Reserved. However, we have been asked to not block the gate or access to the drive-thru window. These areas must be accessible to employees and customers 24/7.
Use of the auditorium is a benefit we appreciate and we recognize that our presence cannot interfere with the business operations.
********************************************************************************
April 25-26
Exchange Place Spring Garden Fair
The 40th annual Spring Garden Fair is Saturday, April 25, 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday, April 26, 12 – 5 pm at Exchange Place Living History Farm, 4812 Orebank Road in Kingsport. The oldest garden fair in the region and a favorite among gardeners, the
festival will feature over 60 vendors with thousands of plants for sale – perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs – with the emphasis on natives, herbs and heirlooms (including a wide variety of heirloom tomatoes), along with garden related arts and crafts. Visitors will see heritage breeds of animals and spring activities on a mid-nineteenth century farmstead, as volunteers shear the sheep, spin and weave the wool, churn butter, and shape iron over the forge. Children’s activities abound with opportunities to learn gardening skills, weave a basket, do nature crafts, and make flower crowns in celebration of the season. Enjoy food on site or to take home along with live music from local bands. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12.
https://exchangeplacetn.org/.
********************************************************************************
The 2026 speaker schedule is now published! Click on the Programs tab above to see all of the great garden experts we have scheduled for you to hear in 2026.
********************************************************************************
We have an updated vendor list for 2026! New vendors have been added where SAPS members can get a 10% discount. Click here to see the updated list. Click here to learn more about becoming a member of SAPS.
Website powered by InterServer