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🌿 Our Story

What began in late 2020 as a humble plant swap in Charleston, South Carolina, has grown into one of the Southeast’s most anticipated horticultural movements. After seeing the incredible enthusiasm from local collectors and small growers, founder Renay Adams realized something was missing — a place where plant lovers could connect in person, discover rare species, and celebrate the joy of growing together.

With that vision, she established Southeast Rare Plant Market, LLP (SERPM) — a network of regional markets designed to spotlight local growers, collectors, and plant artisans. In 2023, she partnered with Racheal Taylor to expand those markets across the Carolinas, laying the foundation for something even bigger.

🌱 The Birth of The BIG Plant Expo

Renay and Racheal asked a simple but powerful question:
“Why couldn’t South Carolina be a destination for people to travel to for the love of plants?”

That question sparked The BIG Plant Expo — an immersive, large-scale celebration of plants, people, and community. Announced in early 2024, the duo began securing headline sellers, sponsors, and influencers from across the nation for a one-of-a-kind event in the heart of South Carolina.

In June 2024, they opened the doors to what became the largest plant expo the state had ever seen. Attendance exceeded expectations, vendors sold out, and the excitement from the plant community confirmed that something truly special had taken root. By the end of that first weekend, the team was already planning 2025 — and dreaming even bigger.

🌸 Growing Bigger Every Year

Each year, The BIG Plant Expo continues to expand — uniting rare-plant collectors, growers, creators, and enthusiasts under one enchanted canopy. Now, as we look toward April 25–26, 2026, the expo returns home to Charleston, South Carolina, for a breathtaking “Enchanted Forest” experience at the North Charleston Coliseum. This milestone event will welcome national vendors, international plant influencers, and tens of thousands of attendees for a weekend unlike any other — filled with rare plants, immersive displays, workshops, and Southern charm.

🌻 Our Ongoing Mission

Our mission remains the same:

• Support local plant growers, sellers, and artisans.

• Bring plant lovers access to rare and affordable finds they won’t see in big-box stores.

• Foster connection and community through shared passion and education.

• Partner with local businesses and sponsors who want to grow alongside this thriving movement.

Every market and every expo is a celebration of community — proof that when people come together for the love of plants, something beautiful blooms.

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