Hendersonville – Hendersonville’s Main Street was in full bloom over Memorial Day weekend as the 33rd annual Garden Jubilee welcomed thousands of visitors for two days of sunshine, shopping, and springtime celebration. Held on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, the festival transformed downtown into a bustling corridor of greenery and garden inspiration.
Launched more than three decades ago, the Garden Jubilee has grown to become one of the largest gardening events in the Southeast. Now managed by the nonprofit organization The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville in collaboration with the City of Hendersonville’s Downtown Program, the festival has retained its roots in horticulture while expanding into a regional attraction that supports small businesses, vendors, and tourism.
This year’s Jubilee featured over 200 vendors stretching across eight blocks of Main Street. Nurseries, artisans, local food makers, and outdoor product specialists offered a diverse array of goods — from heirloom vegetables and ornamental perennials to fiber arts, handmade furniture, and yard décor.
Christine Grubbs of Two Sisters Fiber Arts, who traveled from Burnsville to participate, praised the professionalism of the event and its welcoming atmosphere. “This is my second year here,” Grubbs said. “It’s always a very nice show. It’s well managed by the team, so there’s no reason not to come here.” She noted that the crowds were strong again this year: “Lots of people — fantastic.” Grubbs and her sister Jacky, who lives in Wisconsin, run the business together and have been active in regional markets and festivals.
Nearby, Roy Dickerson of Baabal’s Ice Cream reported an increase in foot traffic compared to previous years. “Better than normal,” he said when asked about the turnout. “Especially yesterday.” A Garden Jubilee veteran, Dickerson has participated in the event for about nine years and noted that the 2025 edition felt like a strong start to the local tourism season. “It seems like some people I’ve talked to — everybody’s doing better this year,” he said.
Although Sunday attendance was lighter due to a forecast that hinted at rain, skies remained dry throughout the weekend. Organizers noted that Saturday saw especially robust crowds, and downtown businesses confirmed steady foot traffic throughout the day.
Donna Ulrich, a vendor at Emporium on Main, appreciated the festival for bringing visitors to the downtown antique mall and artisan market. Ulrich pulled her collection of fine Italian paper onto the sidewalk and stopped to talk with festival-goers while promoting the year-round businesses of the Emporium. “It’s such a nice atmosphere,” said Ulrich.
A signature element of the Garden Jubilee is the Speaker Showcase, presented this year by Osceola Lake Inn at the Historic Courthouse Plaza. Educational and inspiring, the sessions featured prominent voices in the gardening and landscape world.
Brie Arthur, bestselling author and national leader in the Foodscape Movement, offered practical and colorful advice on container gardening and edible landscaping. Jordana Chalnick, the Landscape Manager at Biltmore Estate, gave audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the estate’s iconic grounds, discussing both design philosophy and seasonal plantings.
Beekeeper Scott Davis of Garren Creek Apiaries provided insight into pollinator health and the importance of queen genetics, while Kay Campbell and Brenda Rosbrook, affectionately known as the Shady Ladies of Raymond’s Garden Center, delivered crowd-pleasing talks on native perennials and four-season interest.
The Speaker Showcase began each morning with opening remarks sponsored by Stuller Power Solutions, joined onsite by other event sponsors including AdventHealth, Southern Alarm & Security, and United Community Bank. Sponsor booths dotted the event route, offering information, giveaways, and a chance for local residents to connect with community partners.
For many attendees, the Jubilee was both a celebration of spring and a chance to reconnect with neighbors and nature after a long winter. For vendors and local businesses, it was a welcome economic boost.
With more than three decades behind it, the Garden Jubilee continues to grow in scope and spirit — a testament to Hendersonville’s thriving downtown and the region’s passion for plants, craft, and community.