Discover the Magic of the Southeast Plant Show

Jay Tacey

Hey everyone, welcome to the very first episode of the Southeast Plant Show podcast! I'm Jay Tacey, zoologist turned plant enthusiast, and I'm here with the legendary Lisa Parker. Lisa, are you as excited as I am to finally be talking about SPS?

Lisa Parker

Jay, you know I am! I mean, June can't come soon enough. Southeast Plant Show—if you haven't been, buckle up—it's this wild, wonderful gathering in Lawrenceville, Georgia, June 27th and 28th, 2026. Over 240 vendors, thousands of people roaming around with leafy treasures tucked under their arms, and this absolutely electric community vibe. It's the biggest plant event in the Southeast for a reason.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, it's not just for the hardcore plant geeks—though, let’s be honest, I wear that badge with pride—but families, grandmas wrangling toddlers, folks who can barely keep a succulent alive… everyone fits in. What struck me the first year was how open-armed it all felt. You could be shopping for a rare aroid, or just happy your basil isn't dead, and nobody bats an eye.

Lisa Parker

There truly is something for everyone! Workshops for every level, kids' craft corners, rare plants you’ve only seen on Instagram—it's got it all. And that's just the beginning, because the real stars? The vendors. Let’s dive into some local legends and the quirky personalities you just can’t miss.

Lisa Parker

First up, if you’re anywhere near Snellville, you have to check out My Secret Garden. That place is like, uh—what’s the word?—a plant lover’s Narnia? Sonya Harrison runs it, and holy moly does she know how to pick a perfect houseplant for every soul. Herbs, fruits, veggies, gorgeous perennials…and her vibe is just so welcoming.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, My Secret Garden is one of those spots you walk in, you lose track of time. They do more than just sell plants—they’ve got classes too, right? Little hands-on things for all ages?

Lisa Parker

Absolutely. From pot design to “garden-on-the-go” tips. I’ve seen kids just light up during her plant workshops, which is more than I can say about trying to get my nephews to do chores. And, you wanna talk quirky? Blue Moon Tropicals down in Eustis, Florida, is bringing not just their houseplants and rare succulents, but also their nursery dogs! Howl and Gir are like celebrities. Honestly, you could set up a photo booth and the line would be around the greenhouse.

Jay Tacey

I love that. But seriously, Blue Moon Tropicals' selection is wild. They’ve got all sorts, from aquatic plants to funky succulents, and you'll find varieties there that you just don’t see elsewhere. Plus, there’s always this laid-back “Florida energy”—super helpful, super friendly, really invested in their plant family, human or canine!

Lisa Parker

And then we've got Green Room Exotics out of Atlanta. If you want houseplants that go viral online, this is where you hunt. Alocasia melo albo, Monstera albo—those rare variegated beauties that are just… I mean, they’re equal parts plant and art piece.

Jay Tacey

Oh, you know, last year I nearly got pressed into the wall by a giant Monstera. I know they call it "albo" because of the variegation, but that one was practically a monster. Everyone crowded around, snapping pics—felt like a celebrity plant moment. The Green Room team really knows how to put on a display, and they're happy to geek out with you about rare cultivars. It’s more than shopping, it's like meeting artists showing off their latest masterpiece.

Lisa Parker

It’s almost overwhelming how many interesting plants and personalities you come across. But the heart of it is—these vendors, they're passionate. They love plants, they love sharing what they know, and it kind of pulls you in. You leave with more than just a new fern; you pick up a story or two along the way.

Lisa Parker

And that vibe carries right over to the family activities. My Secret Garden, for example—they’re not just about selling you a pot. Sonya's team sets up these potting workshops for kids, teaches them how to plant, water, even design their own planters. It’s education wrapped up as playtime, and honestly, I’m a little jealous I wasn’t a kid at one of these. My nieces still talk about the sparkly rocks they stuck in their mini gardens there—weeks later.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, it’s a real hands-on learning vibe. I mean, seeing kids get soil under their fingernails, experimenting and—okay, sometimes making a mess, I guess—is just part of the experience. And those live demos! Blue Moon Tropicals is big on their Q&A sessions, so you get real, practical plant care advice straight from the pros. If, like me, you’ve ever fried a succulent, you’ll want to take notes!

Lisa Parker

Right? And Green Room Exotics does those live rare plant unboxings. It’s like—what’s behind curtain number two? Sometimes seeing these rare beauties unveiled in real time gets even the teens excited.

Jay Tacey

And it’s not just us saying this whole thing is a hit with families. There’s a testimonial from Lisha Stokes, who stopped by My Secret Garden with her four-year-old. Didn’t need anything, just wanted to see the place, and her daughter fell in love. It’s, like, a botanical garden right in your neighborhood, and the experiences really stick with you.

Lisa Parker

That’s the common thread, isn’t it? All ages, all backgrounds—the SPS makes sure everyone has a reason to smile, learn something new, or just take home a memory. So whether you’re chasing rare variegates or just want a fun day out for the family, June’s show is gonna deliver.

Jay Tacey

Alright, that’s a wrap for our kickoff episode! We’ll be back with even more vendor spotlights, wild show stories, and plant parent tips as the big event gets closer. Lisa, always a blast chatting plants with you.

Lisa Parker

Thanks Jay, you make zoology sound like a party—see you all next time! And don’t forget: bring your best plant stories and maybe, just maybe, a kazoo. Bye, everyone!

Jay Tacey

Bye folks—see you at the show!