The LSU Hilltop Arboretum will hold its 31st annual PLANTFEST! on Saturday, October 4, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, October 5, 2014, from noon to 4 p.m. at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum, 11855 Highland Road.   

Brace yourself for a botanical “all you can tweet” plant feast—trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, ferns, fruits, gingers, camellias, incredible edibles, ornamental grasses, and more that run the gamut from native and traditional to eclectic and electric newcomers. To spice up the mix, plants are imported from a diversity of nurseries located in Alabama, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana. More than 5,000 plants will be assembled, representing 600 different species—some making their debut at Hilltop this year. 

In honor of Hilltop’s former site director Marion Drummond, who served as a volunteer at the arboretum until she passed away in 2013, Hilltop’s Hodge Podge Volunteers will feature plants grown by Marion in her garden to augment the plant offerings for plant aficionados. Landscape architects, contractors and designers, arborists, horticultural specialists, growers, and Master Gardeners will be on hand to help you with your plant selections.  

The Hilltop Gift Shop will expand to include specialty plant and craft vendors to meet all the needs of gardeners and their gardens. The arboretum offers tax and a membership incentives, potentially adding up to 20% in savings on plants purchased during the two days of the sale.  

One week prior to the sale, check Hilltop Arboretum’s website (www.lsu.edu/hilltop) for a list of the plants being offered at the 2014 PlantFest!