We Were at the Lewis Ginter Spring Plant Sale. Here's What You Need to Know
If you're a Richmond homeowner who loves spending time in the garden, you probably already know that the Lewis Ginter Spring Plant Sale is one of the biggest gardening events of the year in the region. This past spring, Jordan's Water Garden Solutions was proud to participate as a vendor at this incredible event, and it did not disappoint. Whether you stopped by our booth or just want to know what we were all about, here's a full recap of why this sale matters for anyone interested in water gardens, koi ponds, and backyard water features in Richmond, VA.
What Is the Lewis Ginter Spring Plant Sale?
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, hosts one of the largest and most beloved plant sales in the entire Mid-Atlantic region. This year's Spring Plant Sale ran over two days: Thursday, April 30 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. held outdoors in Parking Lot B, rain or shine.
With more than 45 vendors on site, attendees had access to an extraordinary variety of plants, garden goods, artisan products, and expert advice. The event is organized and presented by dedicated Garden volunteers, with all proceeds supporting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's conservation and education mission. Admission to the plant sale itself is free! you only pay if you'd like to explore the Garden grounds.
Jordan's Water Garden Solutions Was There, And Here's Why
Jordan's Water Garden Solutions is a Richmond-based water feature contractor specializing in koi ponds, pondless waterfalls, water gardens, and fountainscapes across Central Virginia. We were proud to have our own booth at this year's event, connecting with Richmond homeowners who are passionate about transforming their outdoor spaces.
The Lewis Ginter Spring Plant Sale is the perfect setting for us. It draws exactly the kind of thoughtful, nature-loving homeowners who are ready to take their backyard to the next level people who already understand the value of plants, beauty, and a connection to nature. For us, it's not just a marketing opportunity. It's a chance to be part of Richmond's gardening community.
Plants That Pair Beautifully with Water Features
One of the most exciting things about the Spring Plant Sale is the sheer variety of plants available, including many that work wonderfully in and around backyard water features. Here are some standout varieties from this year's Ginter's Greatest inventory that pair particularly well with koi ponds, water gardens, and pondless waterfalls:
Marginal and Moisture-Loving Perennials
Several plants at this year's sale thrive in wet or consistently moist soil, making them ideal for planting around the edges of a pond or stream:
- Monarda 'Fire Marshall' (Beebalm): A pollinator magnet with vivid red blooms that loves moist conditions. Plant it near the edges of a water garden for brilliant color and wildlife activity.
- Packera aurea (Golden Ragwort): A Virginia native that naturalizes beautifully in damp, partly shaded spots near a pond's edge.
- Pycnanthemum muticum (Mountain Mint): Tolerates moisture well and attracts pollinators that make any garden feel alive.
- Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler' (Honeysuckle): A vigorous native vine that can be trained along fences or structures near a water feature, attracting hummingbirds all season.
Shrubs That Frame a Water Feature
The right shrubs can anchor a water feature within your landscape and provide year-round structure:
- Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Sugar Shack' (Buttonbush): One of the best native shrubs for wet sites. It's stunning near a koi pond and draws pollinators in summer.
- Sambucus racemosa 'Lemony Lace' (Elderberry): A feathery, golden-leafed shrub that creates a dramatic backdrop behind a waterfall or stream.
- Aronia melanocarpa 'Low Scape Mound' (Black Chokeberry): A compact native shrub with strong fall color that thrives in moist soils at a pond's perimeter.
Shade Perennials for Pond Surrounds
Not every water feature sits in full sun. These plants are perfect for shaded pond edges or low-light water garden settings:
- Tiarella cordifolia 'Running Tapestry' (Foam Flower): A spreading, low-growing native groundcover that creates a lush carpet around shaded ponds.
- Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern): An evergreen Virginia native fern that looks beautiful cascading over the stone edges of a waterfall or stream.
- Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash' (Lungwort): An early spring bloomer with striking spotted foliage, perfect for moist, shaded areas near a water garden.
Why Water Garden Plants Matter for Your Pond's Health
Choosing the right plants for your water feature isn't just about aesthetics, it's about creating a balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem. Aquatic and moisture-loving plants play several important roles in any healthy pond or water garden:
They filter the water naturally. Plants absorb excess nutrients from the water, which helps control algae and keeps your pond clearer with less chemical intervention.
They provide habitat. Fish like koi benefit from plant cover for shade and shelter. Frogs, beneficial insects, and birds are also drawn to planted water features, creating a living ecosystem in your backyard.
They soften the edges. Strategically placed plants around a pond or waterfall make the feature look like it belongs in the landscape: natural, organic, and intentional rather than constructed.
They add seasonal interest. From spring blooms to fall color and winter texture, the right plant palette keeps your water feature looking beautiful year-round.
Thinking About Adding a Water Feature This Season?
If attending the Lewis Ginter Spring Plant Sale, or reading about it has you inspired to bring more beauty and water into your backyard, we'd love to help. At Jordan's Water Garden Solutions, we design and build custom water features for Richmond homeowners, including:
- Koi Ponds: Professionally engineered ponds with advanced filtration built for Virginia's climate.
- Pondless Waterfalls: The sights and sounds of moving water with virtually no maintenance footprint.
- Water Gardens: Living, planted aquatic ecosystems that transform any backyard.
- Garden Fountains & Fountainscapes: Elegant, compact water features perfect as accent pieces.
- Pond Cleaning & Maintenance: Seasonal care to keep your existing feature clean, clear, and thriving.
Come Find Us at Future Richmond Garden Events
Being part of the Lewis Ginter Spring Plant Sale reminded us of something we already knew: Richmond has a deep, passionate gardening community. We're committed to showing up for it not just at the pond site, but at local events, in your neighborhood, and throughout the Richmond region.
If you saw us at the sale and want to continue the conversation, or if you've been thinking about a water feature for your backyard, we're just a call or click away.
