Landis Valley Herb & Garden Faire: A Mother’s Day Tradition (Pt. 1)

Looking for a special way to celebrate Mother’s Day? There is no better way to celebrate than to enjoy the Landis Valley Herb and Garden Faire together. This Friday and Saturday outdoor festival is a celebration of heritage that brings together growers, artisans, and plant enthusiasts in a setting unlike any other.

The Landis Valley Farm Museum is much more than a backdrop for a garden show; it is a 100-acre sanctuary dedicated to Pennsylvania German history. Comprised of over 40 historic buildings, the museum is the guardian of the largest collection of Pennsylvania German artifacts in the U.S. and serves as a testament to our region’s deep agricultural roots.

The Heart of the Faire: The Heirloom Seed Project

Visitors line up early to get first chance at the heirloom plants, practically running through the Faire with wagons in tow to reach the heirloom tent! Since 1986, this project has been all about keeping the flavor and history of Pennsylvania Dutch country alive. By saving rare, open-pollinated seeds that have been passed down for generations, the team ensures these unique plants continue to thrive in our backyards.

It’s a true labor of love powered by a wonderful group of volunteers. They do it all—from tending the historic garden plots to hand-packaging the very seeds you’re tucking into your wagons. Be on the lookout for favorites like the striking Hutterite Breadseed Poppy and the Amish Gnuttle Bean, a local staple with deep roots in our farming history. These varieties are more than just plants; they are living pieces of our heritage.

Discover Treasures Along the Village Paths

Whether you are a beginner looking for your first perennials or a seasoned pro seeking rare varieties, the Faire is designed for gardeners of all levels. As you wander the grounds, you’ll find the village paths lined with:

• Herbs and heirloom vegetable plants to jumpstart your summer harvest.
  
• Native plants and perennials that support our local ecosystem.
  
• Garden art, pottery, and handmade crafts created by local artisans.

Presentations / Meet the Makers

Instead of staying in one seat, the Herb and Garden Faire presentations are tucked away in the museum’s most iconic settings: The Yellow Barn Courtyard, The Hotel, Visitor’s Center Auditorium, and various vendor booths.  For example, there’s….

• Purple Moon Lavender Farm Visit Jackie at Booth 35 to learn the secrets of lavender mastery and how to help these fragrant plants thrive in humid Pennsylvania summers. It’s the perfect spot to pick up tips for a successful, scent-filled garden.

• The Essential Herbal Magazine Join Tina Sams for a hands-on workshop focused on crafting delicate and fragrant herbal tea bouquets. This tactile experience teaches you how to combine fresh herbs for the perfect pot of tea while exploring the museum’s beautiful historic setting.

• Victorian Gardens Contrasted with Working Gardens – Master Gardener Mike Cassidy explores the 19th-century contrast between ornate High Victorian aesthetics and the practical PA Dutch “working gardens.” Travel through time with a showcase of historical photos and period illustrations.

VIEW THE WHOLE SCHEDULE HERE. (You’ll need to scroll down on the page.)

AzarÉl Greetings Will Be There!

AzarÉl Greetings is so excited to share what our backyard birds and critters have been up to! They do some really amazing things! Stop by our booth to say hello, see our newest collections, and celebrate the beauty of spring together. Brian and I look forward to seeing you there!

Plan Your Visit

Ready to get your wagons rolling? The Herb & Garden Faire takes place at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum on Friday and Saturday, May 8–9, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

To beat the morning rush, you can pre-purchase your tickets directly through the Landis Valley website.

• Adults: $14
• Seniors (65+): $12
• Children (6-11): $10
• Children 5 & Under: Free

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into the handcrafted world of our makers and artisans—and, of course, the legendary chicken corn soup you won’t want to miss!