New England Plant Exhibition Joins Horticulture with Hops

Get ready to leaf your worries behind and tap into something truly special — The New England Plant Expo is sprouting up at Frogg Brewing in Swanzey! This isn't just any market; it's a lush, living celebration of all things green and gorgeous, where rare and uncommon plants take center stage alongside a blooming lineup of nature-inspired artisans and botanical crafters. Sip on a local brew as you stroll through a jungle of leafy treasures, plant-themed art and earthy creations — all set against the cozy, hops-scented backdrop of one of the Monadnock Region's favorite breweries. The New England Plant Expo didn't begin with a business plan or a formal pitch — it grew, organically and passionately, from the roots of one woman's lifelong love for plants and the healing power of nature. Katherine Feist, the founder of the Expo, started her journey digging in the dirt as a kid, helping her parents garden and transforming her front yard as a teen. When she met her partner Tyler in 2012, the plant obsession deepened — his apartment was filled with tropical greenery, and soon Feist found herself happily tending to his indoor jungle while he traveled for work. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a full-blown mission when the couple bought their first home in Rhode Island and began transforming it into their own slice of tropical paradise. The turning point came during a vulnerable moment in Feist's life. After the birth of her second child, while navigating postpartum depression, she found solace and focus in her growing interest in rare plants. During her maternity leave, she'd escape the house to hunt for unique plant finds in local nurseries, often spending more than intended — but with the hope of propagating and reselling to fund her leafy passion. Through those excursions, she connected with a network of rare plant traders and was invited to participate in a local plant expo. The event didn't go as planned, but instead of being discouraged, she saw an opportunity. With a background in event planning, it made sense to her to try her hand at it. In March 2024, the first official New England Plant Expo took root at Diamond Hill Vineyards in Cumberland, R.I. — and the response was overwhelming. Traffic gridlocked the town, visitors parked miles away just to get in, and the vineyard even ran out of wine. With the support of her early collaborators Sarahbeth, Teresa and Ivan from Wild.fiber.flora plant shop, the steadfast help of her partner, Tyler, and the dedication of an incredible group of vendors, the Expo was born and thriving. Now celebrating its first year in business, the Expo is headed to Swanzey! Join the New England Plant Expo: Botanicals and Brews on Saturday, May 31, from noon to 5 p.m. at Frogg Brewing, 580 Sawyers Crossing Rd., Swanzey. "It's a wonderful opportunity for plant enthusiasts to get their wish list plants, as well as regular gardeners to get out and support their local nurseries to buy annuals and perennials. The other half of our vendors are all botanical and nature inspired to make the ultimate planty event," wrote Feist in an email, describing the event. This family-friendly, dog-friendly, rain-or-shine event combines rare plants, nature-inspired art, delicious food and fresh beer — plus a special medieval combat demo from Vermont Armored Combat! You can expect to see vendors such as: TAJ, Urban Plant NYC, KAC, Zenacious Rootz, Slow Season, Wild Mystic Beverages, Calcite and Comfrey, Longview Estate Worm Farm, Jack's Green Grove, Cosmic Eye Collective, Cheshire Floral Farm, Vermont WIldlife Gifts, LMNO Cement, Amar and Riley, The Knotted Finds, Pressed by Emily Paige, Natural Kore Laboratories, Sniff My Snack, Bee's Creations, Donny Brook Gallery, Fern Hill House Gardens, and many more. Whether you're a seasoned plant collector or just plant-curious, this event promises a day of discovery, inspiration and green goodness.