Our Events

Calling all houseplant lovers! Join us for our Valentine’s Houseplant Bingo on February 14th, 2026 at 11am, exclusively at our Independence Blvd. location. This isn’t your classic bingo, our custom houseplant bingo cards feature your favorite plants, which we’ll call out live while you mark your cards. Every round begins with announcing the prize of that round. When you get a BINGO, you can come up to grab your prize! While prizes aren’t guaranteed for every player, everyone can join in for free and enjoy the experience. Instruction and prizes will be provided while supplies last. Seating is limited, however, you can reserve your spot by grabbing a free ticket in-store or online to make sure you can play. ONLINE RESERVATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. Walk-ins welcome while supplies last. 

Get ready for the ultimate plant parenting extravaganza as Plantopia Presents: Houseplant Adoption Weekend at McDonald Garden Center! This event will be all weekend long Saturday, February 21st - Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 for you to pick the perfect plant that suits you best.Let’s take a magical journey into the world of houseplants as we open the doors to the lush land of Plantopia at our Independence Blvd. location to get you started on your adoption journey. The quest of becoming a plant parent starts with filling out a questionnaire, where we'll get to know a few things like where your plant will be and what preferences you have for things like care. After that, our Green Team will match you with your perfect plant baby. But the fun doesn't stop there! We've got a whole list of activities to participate in:A selfie area where you can snap a photo with your new plant friendFree self-potting station where you can give your new plant the perfect home.Step-by-step guidance from our Green TeamFree plant care guidesPrepare yourself for a weekend of plant-filled fun, laughter, and maybe a little dirt under your nails at Plantopia's Houseplant Adoption Weekend. You'll fall in love at first leaf.

Spring is almost here, and with it comes that familiar feeling, long afternoons outside, dirt under your fingernails, and the kind of backyard moments that turn into lifelong memories. There’s no better time to reset, refresh, and get growing. Join us for our Spring Showcase, happening March 6th–15th, 2026 at all of our locations. This ten-day celebration brings back the magic of spring with in-store seminars, hands-on workshops, and seasonal savings designed to help you start the gardening season with confidence. Even if you’re simply dreaming up new backyard traditions or bringing fresh life to a space you’ve loved for years, our Green Team is here to guide you every step of the way. Explore the full lineup of events below and kick off your spring gardening season the way it was meant to be, rooted in inspiration, creativity, and a little nostalgia.   EVENT LIST (subject to change)  *Please note that all events are exclusively held at our Independence Blvd. Location, however, Spring Showcase sales and Garden Pharmacy Open Clinic will be available at both year-round locations.   Both Weekends - Garden Pharmacy Open Clinic - 9am-6pm   Saturday, March 7th -  DIY Landscape Design Workshop with the Garden Guru - 9:30am Toad Abode Workshop for Kids - 11:00am Zest for Success: Growing Citrus 101 - 2:00pm Talk to a McDonald Landscapes Designer - 9:00am-2:00pm   Sunday, March 8th - Bonsai Basics: A Demo and Seminar with the Virginia Bonsai Society - 11:00am Talk to a McDonald Landscapes Designer - 9:00am-2:00pm   Saturday, March 14th -  Solutions to Moles & Voles with the Garden Guru - 9:30am Plan the Perfect Patio with the Landscape Legend - 11:00am Sprout Success: How to Start from Seed - 2:00pm Talk to a McDonald Landscapes Designer - 9:00am-2:00pm   Sunday, March 15th - Creating Privacy with Hedges: A Garden Guru Masterclass - 11:00am Talk to a McDonald Landscapes Designer - 9:00am-2:00pm  

Give your garden a healthy head start this spring at our Garden Pharmacy Open Clinic. Held during our Spring Showcase on March 7th & 8th and March 14th & 15th, this free, in-store clinic is designed to help you prepare your garden before planting season begins. Bring in your soil sample for free pH testing and get personalized guidance from our Green Team plant doctors. Proper soil pH is the foundation of healthy plant growth, and we’ll help you understand exactly what your garden needs to thrive. We’re also happy to assist with plant identification, insect and disease concerns, and provide a customized “Plantscription” if needed. The Garden Pharmacy Open Clinic is available at both of our year-round locations. Stop in, ask questions, and set your garden up for success this spring. - Want to discover more Spring Showcase events? Check them out here.

Have questions about your yard or outdoor projects? Stop by our McDonald Landscapes info kiosk on the weekends of March 7th & 8th, 9:00am-2:00pm at our Independence Blvd. location to get expert advice directly from our designers. Our team will be available to answer your questions about plant selection, hardscapes, lighting, layout, and more. You’ll leave with practical tips and ideas to make your outdoor space look and function its best. Drop by anytime between 9:00am-2:00pm and bring your ideas, questions, and inspiration! - Want to discover more Spring Showcase events? Check them out here.

Have you ever dreamt of crafting a stunning, professional landscape design but found yourself uncertain about where to begin? Allow our Green Team experts to guide you through the intricacies of planning and executing a successful landscape project through our DIY Landscape Design Workshop on March 7th at 9:30am at our Independence Blvd. location.  This workshop includes all the materials you need to plan out your new landscape as well as a bonus $10 discount coupon, which can be applied towards the purchase of plants and products to help you transform your outdoor space. Join us to discover your enhanced landscape! The cost of this workshop is $15. Walk-ins are also welcome while supplies last. - Want to discover more Spring Showcase events? Check them out here.

Jump into some hands-on fun! Join us on Saturday, March 7th at 11:00am at our Independence Blvd. location for a Toad Abode Workshop. For $15 per child, kids will paint their very own 6-inch terracotta pot, get tips on how to set it up at home, and receive a little frog figurine to make sure their toads feel right at home. This ribbiting workshop is the perfect way for little gardeners to connect with nature, get creative, and give local toads a cozy new home, right in your backyard. All materials are provided, and everyone hops away with a finished toad abode ready to enjoy in their own yard. - Want to discover more Spring Showcase events? Check them out here.

Join us on March 8th at 11:00am at our Independence Blvd. location for a unique seminar with the Virginia Bonsai Society. Their experts will guide you through the intricate art of bonsai care, covering everything from pruning techniques to shaping and nurturing your very own miniature masterpiece. Each participant will take home a starter bonsai, providing the perfect opportunity to put your new skills into practice. Plus, you'll have the chance to connect with fellow bonsai enthusiasts in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Cost: $15. Register in-store or online while supplies last. Advance registration is required. Walk-ins welcome while supplies last. - Want to discover more Spring Showcase events? Check them out here.

Have questions about your yard or outdoor projects? Stop by our McDonald Landscapes info kiosk on the weekends of March 14th & 15th, 9:00am-2:00pm at our Independence Blvd. location to get expert advice directly from our designers. Our team will be available to answer your questions about plant selection, hardscapes, lighting, layout, and more. You’ll leave with practical tips and ideas to make your outdoor space look and function its best. Drop by anytime between 9:00am-2:00pm and bring your ideas, questions, and inspiration! - Want to discover more Spring Showcase events? Check them out here.

Get your garden in the game - Mulch Madness is back! From March 20th-22nd, 2026, it’s your chance to pile on the savings and give your landscape the MVP treatment it deserves.  Mulch isn’t just a finishing touch, it’s a game-changer. It locks in moisture, smothers weeds, regulates soil temperature, and instantly levels up your yard. For three days only, stock up on top-quality mulch at unbeatable prices. Score big this season and give your garden the edge it needs. These deals won’t last long, so hustle in and load up!

What’s better than pizza? A pizza you grow yourself! Bring your little chefs to our Pizza Garden Workshop for Kids, where they’ll plant their way to delizioso garden-to-table goodness. Designed for kids ages 5 and up, this hands-on workshop will have young gardeners getting their hands in the soil as they plant their own mini herb gardens! Our Green Team will teach the basics of planting and caring for fresh herbs, so they’ll be all set to create their very own pizza masterpiece at home from the container they build in-store.  And because no Italian-inspired gathering is complete without a little something to eat, we’ll be serving up a hot, cheesy slice of pizza after all that planting. Buon appetito! Cost is $20 and includes all supplies, expert instruction, and one slice of pizza per child, per ticket. Held exclusively at our Independence Blvd. location on March 21st at 11am. Parental supervision required. Registration is open in-store and online while supplies last.

Celebrate spring with a hands-on wreath-making experience! Join us for our Spring Wreath Workshop on March 21st at 2pm at our Independence Blvd. location. Create a beautiful, seasonal wreath using faux and dried florals, perfect for your door or indoor decor. Enjoy freshly brewed tea and crumpets while our Green Team guides you step-by-step through designing your 18-inch grapevine wreath. By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation to brighten your space. Cost is $50, all supplies included. Register online or in-store, spaces are limited! ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED. Walk-ins welcome while supplies last.

Shake off some stress and spend a little time with some of our furry friends! Join us on March 22nd at 2pm at our Independence Blvd. location for our Greenhouse Goat Snuggling event. Cuddle, pet, and snap photos with adorable goats right in the heart of Plantopia. Our Green Team and the Fun with Goats team will be there to guide the fun and ensure everyone (goats included!) has a safe visit. Cost is $10 per person. Spaces are limited, register online or in-store to save your spot!

Spring is in full swing, and so is Bird Fest at McDonald Garden Center! For three days, we’re celebrating the joy of backyard birding with special savings on birding products, favorite seed mixes, bird-friendly plants, and more. Explore ways to attract local birds to your garden and learn from our experts along the way. The weekend will also feature a lineup of events designed to inspire your birding journey, exclusively at our Independence Blvd. location:   How to Attract Birds to Your Yard Presented by the Garden Guru – Discover insider tips on attracting more birds to your yard with the Guru himself on 3/28 at 11am.   Hoots & Houses: Birdhouse Workshop and Wildlife Showcase for Kids – Join us on March 28th at 2pm for a fun, hands-on birdhouse painting workshop! Kids will get creative decorating their own birdhouse while meeting live owls and hawks from Earthquest and learning fascinating facts about the birds that call our area home.   With fun for the whole family and expert advice for birders of every level, Bird Fest is the perfect way to celebrate and support our feathered friends!

Hop in-store this Easter for a fun-filled opportunity to save on spring plants & products! Our Bunny Day Bucks Scavenger Hunt is happening April 4th-5th, exclusively at our year-round locations. Here’s How to Play: Pick up a Bunny Day Bucks Certificate – one per party. Hunt for the six special Bunny Day displays located throughout the store. Stamp your certificate at each display using the bingo markers provided. Bring your completed certificate to checkout to receive $5 off your purchase of $35 or more! Discover spring inspiration, enjoy the hunt, and score some easter bunny-approved savings along the way!

Get ready for a berry fun adventure in the garden! One of our most loved kids’ workshops is back, Strawberry Pots. Join us on April 4th at 11am for a hands-on activity where little gardeners can paint and plant their very own strawberry planter. With a parent or guardian lending a helping hand, kids will enjoy getting creative while learning a little about how strawberries grow. It’s a great way to spend time together and leave with something sweet that will keep growing at home. The cost is $15 per child, and we’ll provide all the supplies and step-by-step guidance. Just bring your creativity and get ready for a berry good time in the greenhouse.

Step through the looking glass and into one of our biggest spring sales events, A Garden Party, happening April 10th-12th, 2026. Our year-round locations and exclusive pop-up markets will transform into a storybook-inspired wonderland filled with vibrant blooms, exciting deals, and a touch of springtime magic. Discover incredible savings across our beautiful selection of flowers, plants, garden accessories, and more. The deals are so good, you might feel like you’ve tumbled right down a rabbit hole. Get ready to paint the roses red, or any color your garden dreams of, with an amazing variety of plants at prices worth celebrating. A Garden Party is every gardener’s wonderland, filled with color, inspiration, and savings you won’t want to miss.

Join us at our Independence Blvd Location on Sunday, April 18th at 11am for a FREE seminar on ridding your yard of moles and voles! These small but mighty creatures can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can keep them at bay. Mike Westphal, the Garden Guru, will share his expertise on effective and organic solutions to managing moles and voles, ensuring that your lawn and garden stays healthy and safe for you and the environment. With his expert guidance, you'll learn how to effectively identify and prevent mole and vole damage and learn about deterrents to keep them under control.

Dive into the season during our Spring Fling sales event! For one weekend only, enjoy fresh deals on annuals, perennials, garden tools, accessories, and more. Refresh tired beds, expand a pollinator patch, or finally plant that show-stopping container you’ve been dreaming about. All of our locations are bursting with color, the selection is at its peak, and inspiration is everywhere! Visit any of our Virginia Beach year-round locations at Great Neck or Independence, or stop by one of our Garden Market pop-ups to take advantage of this limited-time event happening April 24th - 26th.

This Mother’s Day, skip the standard bouquet and go full bloom. Flower Bomb Mom with fresh color, creative gifts, and garden inspiration. From May 4th-10th, our year-round stores and seasonal garden markets are celebrating with handpicked selections, special pricing, and thoughtful ideas that make it easy to treat her to something meaningful.  She deserves more than breakfast in bed. She deserves something that lasts. Here are just a few ways to make her feel special: Container Creation Design a custom container garden with her favorite colors and textures. Our Green Team will help you create something personal and ready to enjoy right away. Yard Tapestry Add instant joy to the landscape with bright annuals that bring bold color and life to any outdoor space. Houseplant Haven Choose a houseplant that feels just right. From small and sculptural to lush and leafy, these are gifts with staying power. We’re talking big-time savings  and all the feel-good, petal-powered vibes to celebrate moms of every kind: dog moms, honorary moms, and especially plant moms! Mark your calendar. Let’s Flower Bomb Mom!

Get ready to shop, save, and celebrate at Bloom Bash, a redemption event happening July 17th-19th, 2026! This event is your chance to redeem the Bloom Bucks you earn while shopping with us this spring. From Mother’s Day (May 10th) - July 4th, 2026, gardenRewards members will earn $1 in Bloom Bucks for every $10 spent in-store. It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting local and shopping with us during our favorite time of year. No need to track your purchases, we’ll do that for you! Just make sure your email address is linked to your gardenRewards account and you're subscribed to our emails, so we can send your Bloom Bucks total before the big event. Questions or need to update your info? Reach out to us anytime at info@mcdonaldgardencenter.com. Bloom Bucks cannot be spent on landscape services, previous purchases, or gift card purchases.

Welcome to McDonald Garden Center’s Veggieland, where everything is growing, glowing, and ready to inspire your best garden yet. From May 13th-19th, 2026, enjoy a full week packed with veggie-focused fun, great deals, and plenty of garden inspiration. Our Green Team will be on hand all week long, sharing tips and tricks to help you grow a thriving, homegrown harvest, from first-time planters to seasoned veggie gardeners. Keep an eye out for Mr. T-mato and his crew of veggie friends popping up throughout the store with playful displays and photo-worthy moments. It’s the perfect time to learn something new, stock up on your favorite veggies, and bring your garden to life.