After a long-awaited return, the Landscape and Horticulture program at Merritt College has finally made a comeback with its annual plant sale. The packed-out, all-day event was hosted on May 2nd in the newly renovated Landscape and Horticulture building, welcoming roughly 450 community members, students, and plant enthusiasts who came out to support the program and its students. All plants available for purchase were grown and cultivated by Merritt College students and staff, highlighting the hands-on learning at the core of the program. Building on the momentum of the building’s grand opening in Fall 2025, the event not only reintroduced a beloved campus tradition but also showcased the expanded capacity of the program to serve more students through hands-on learning opportunities.

Leading up to the event, community interest was already strong. The Merritt College Eventbrite page garnered over 100 RSVPs for the plant fair, while a successful promotional ad on the @merrittcollegeofficial Instagram account helped drive even more awareness. Our online engagement translated into real turnout and impact. Proceeds from the plant sale directly support the program by helping fund student workers and internships, reinforcing Merritt College’s commitment to providing practical, career-building experiences in landscape and horticulture.

The success of the event would not have been possible without the support of the many vendors and volunteers who contributed their time, energy, and expertise throughout the day. A special thank you goes to Otaez Mexican Restaurant for keeping attendees fueled with fresh coffee and a delicious spread of tacos, quesadillas, and other food items. Their presence helped create a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere that made the plant sale not just a fundraiser, but a memorable experience for all who attended. Thank you to Nia Hill, Abdullah Bikzad, Molly Sealund, and Laura Forlin for all of your excellent work and dedication in bringing this event to life.