MSU Gardens Holds Annual Houseplant Sale
The Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens expanded its annual plant sale this year to include new vendor booths.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Gardening
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The Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens held its annual houseplant and succulent sale, which this year added booths for suncatchers, tea, and naturally-made marshmallows. The sale began as a way to distribute excess indoor plants and has grown into an annual event.
Why it matters
The sale's proceeds help fund the 14-acre Horticulture Gardens, which are largely self-funded and do not receive operating budget or salary support from the university. The additional vendors were added to strengthen the sense of community at the event.
The Horticulture Gardens occupy 14 acres and are largely self-funded. This year's sale added suncatcher, tea, and marshmallow booths alongside plant and terrarium offerings, though total proceeds were not disclosed.
The players
Michigan State University
A public land-grant research university in East Lansing, Michigan, whose horticulture program operates the gardens and hosts the annual sale.
Daedre McGrath
An academic specialist at Michigan State University who sold terrariums at the sale and taught a terrarium-making workshop to VIP members.
The details
Plants sold were grown by MSU horticulturalists, and academic specialist Daedre McGrath sold terrariums and taught a terrarium-making workshop to VIP early-bird members. Proceeds from the sale fund the gardens and related programs, including a study abroad trip to Costa Rica for horticulture students.
Timeline
The sale is held annually, with an early-bird session for VIP members.
The article about the sale was published November 9, 2026.
Culture Shift
The sale's growth reflects the houseplant boom of the early 2020s, when indoor plant sales surged among younger consumers. Adding suncatcher, tea, and marshmallow vendors extends that interest into a broader community marketplace.
Residents who want indoor plants or terrariums can attend the annual sale and its early-bird session, which may appeal to those buying for their homes. Visitors can expect additional vendor booths alongside the traditional plant selection.
The takeaway
Community-focused plant sales can support local horticulture programs while giving residents a reason to gather. Checking for early-bird or VIP sessions before a sale can help secure the plants you want.
Further reading
Explore more local planting ideas in our Gardening section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The State News.
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Would you spend money at a local community plant sale?
