Spring 2026 Nonprofit Native Plant Sales in New Jersey
Spring is one of the best times to add native plants to your garden—and nonprofit plant sales are some of the best places to find them. These events support local conservation organizations while helping gardeners access high-quality native trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials.
Many of these sales are run by New Jersey environmental nonprofits, land trusts, or volunteer organizations that are deeply invested in restoring habitat in our region. The plants are often carefully selected for ecological value, and knowledgeable volunteers are usually available to help you choose the right plants for your site.
Below is a roundup of some key native plant sales happening across North Jersey in Spring 2026.
APRIL
🌿 Great Swamp Watershed Association Native Plant Sale
April 1–21, 2026 (Online Ordering)
Great Swamp Watershed Association hosts their 6th Annual Plant for Pollinators Program, encouraging residents to expand native plant gardens and create vibrant habitats for pollinators and birds. This program focuses on helping communities support biodiversity while strengthening the ecological health of the Great Swamp watershed.
Browse and order plants online here:
https://www.greatswamp.org/native-plant-sale/
🌿 D&R Greenway Land Trust Native Plant Sale
April 16–18, 2026
D&R Greenway Land Trust hosts an in-person native plant sale at their nursery.
📍 Johnson Education Center
1 Preservation Place
Princeton, NJ
Hours
• Thursday: 11 AM – 4 PM
• Friday: 12 PM – 4 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM – 12 PM
Visitors can browse a wide selection of native plants and speak with stewardship staff and volunteers about what will thrive in their gardens.
🌿 Lake Hopatcong Foundation Native Plant Sale
Online Orders: April 24–30, 2026
Pickup: May 2 (9 AM – 12 PM)
Lake Hopatcong Foundation hosts its 10th Annual Native Plant Sale, offering a wide variety of New Jersey native species that support pollinators, improve water quality, and increase biodiversity.
📍 Pickup Location
125 Landing Road
Landing, NJ
Order online:
https://www.lakehopatcongfoundation.org/what-we-do/environment/native-plants
🌿 Pinelands Alliance Native Plant Sale
April 24–25, 2026
Pinelands Preservation Alliance hosts a large spring native plant sale focused on species native to the Pine Barrens and South Jersey.
📍 17 Pemberton Rd
Southampton, NJ
Sale Hours
• Friday (Members Preview): 3 PM – 6 PM
• Saturday (Public Sale): 9 AM – 12 PM
Bring boxes or carts for transporting plants—this is a popular event with a great selection!
MAY
🌿 New Jersey Audubon Native Plant Sale
May 2, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM
New Jersey Audubon hosts spring plant sales at multiple sanctuary locations.
Locations include:
📍 Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
📍 Lorrimer Sanctuary
These sales typically feature a curated selection of native perennials, shrubs, and trees that support local wildlife.
More info:
https://njaudubon.org/native-plant-sales/
🌿 Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum Plant Sale
May 2–3, 2026
Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum hosts a large annual plant sale that includes both native and non-native plants.
The event features:
• Perennials
• Trees and shrubs
• Houseplants and annuals
• Expert gardening advice
A special members-only preview shopping night takes place May 1 (4–7 PM).
Learn more:
www.arboretumfriends.org
🌿 Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County Plant Sale
May 1–2 and May 9, 2026
Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County host a large annual plant sale featuring vegetables, herbs, and a curated selection of perennials and shrubs. Some native plants are typically available.
📍 May 1–2
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
📍 May 9
Essex County Environmental Center
You’ll also find local honey products and Master Gardeners available to answer plant questions.
🌱 Special Event! Harding Native Plant *Giveaway*
Harding Environmental Commission Plant Giveaway
May 9, 2026
Harding Environmental Commission hosts a free native plant giveaway featuring a variety of bareroot trees, shrubs, and perennials.
This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to start adding native plants to their landscapes at no cost.
I’ll be there, helping attendees choose plants that will work best for their garden conditions and ecological goals. If you're unsure where to start with native plants, this is a great event to attend and ask questions!
Other Sales to Watch
Some organizations have not announced 2026 dates yet, but may host spring sales:
• Leonard J. Buck Garden
• Rockaway Valley Garden Club
Check their websites for updates as spring approaches.
Why Buy From Nonprofit Plant Sales?
Nonprofit plant sales often offer:
• Regionally appropriate native plants
• Species chosen for ecological value
• Knowledgeable volunteers and educators
• Proceeds that support conservation and environmental education
Buying plants from these organizations helps strengthen the growing movement toward wildlife-friendly and ecologically resilient landscapes across New Jersey.
If you’re planning to attend any of these sales, consider bringing boxes or trays to carry plants, and arrive early for the best selection.
And if you see me at the Harding Environmental Commission giveaway, please say hello—I’d love to help you choose some plants for your garden!
