South Texas Botanical Gardens Water Smart plant sale takes place April 25, focusing on drought friendly landscaping and birding festival connection.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The South Texas Botanical Gardens is replacing its traditional Big Bloom event with a new Water Smart Plant Sale on April 25, pairing plant shopping with a $2 admission day that also ties into the Birdiest Festival in America.
The change comes after the nonprofit skipped its popular Plant Sale in 2025 and says the updated event is designed to reflect ongoing drought conditions while still meeting strong public demand for plants.
Organizers say the focus will shift toward water conservation and drought-friendly landscaping.
Educational classes will highlight modern “water-smart” yard designs that move away from dense green hedges and instead use open, airy layouts with rocks, mulch, containers, sculptures, and decorative hardscaping.
Organizers said the goal is to help residents rethink traditional landscaping and adapt to long-term water shortages while still maintaining curb appeal.
Vendors for both plants and birding-related art will also be part of the event. They are currently accepting applications for birding festival art vendors and plant sellers. To become a vendor, click here or call organizers at 361-852-2100.
The event will be held as a combined experience, offering visitors access to plant shopping, conservation education, and birding festival activities all in one day.
For more information on the event, click here.