Blue Oak Horticulture - Propagating Plants and Community
Founded by Ryan Merck and his wife, Carrie, in the hills of northern Taylors, South Carolina, Blue Oak Horticulture has become one of the region’s most beloved horticultural gems.
At its heart, Blue Oak is about reconnecting people with the natural world through plants that matter — seasonal vegetable and herb transplants, native perennials, and edible trees that support songbirds, insects, and wildlife alike. Their nursery embraces ecological stewardship and includes a passive solar greenhouse, pesticide-free practices, a diverse selection of native species, and strong community education and engagement.
Their plant offerings include many keystone natives like varieties of milkweed, coreopsis, and monarda, to name a few. In addition, they offer more hard-to-find species like climbing aster, hackberry, steeplebush, downy sunflower, and so much more.
Community Matters — Education
Their commitment to the sustainable gardening movement shows up in numerous ways. Beyond doing the vital work of growing native plants specifically suited for our eco-region in the Carolinas, they provide ongoing classes, workshops, and talks. Highlights include plant propagation, Mushroom Log 101, seed foraging and collection, and pruning workshops. See their Facebook page to learn about the latest happenings.
Community Matters — Celebration!
One of Blue Oak’s hallmark traditions is the SC Pawpaw Festival, a celebration of America’s largest native fruit. Held in late summer on the nursery grounds (August 29, 2026), this festival includes fruit tastings, native plant sales, live bluegrass music, food trucks, guided farm tours, artisan vendors, and introductions to this delicious, under appreciated fruit. It’s a chance to learn about pawpaw cultivation, sample different varieties, and connect with fellow plant lovers — all in celebration of a fruit that’s as ecological as it is tasty!
Meet Them at the Spring Plant Sale!
Gardening for Life Project — April 11 Native Plant Sale
This spring, Blue Oak Horticulture will be a featured vendor at the Gardening for Life Project’s Plant Sale on April 11. This event, brought to you by GFLP and The Congregational Church (UCC) Tryon, brings together some of the best native plant growers in the Southeast for a day of discovery, plant shopping, and community connection. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique natives and expert advice straight from growers like Blue Oak.
Mark Your Calendars!
Saturday, April 11 • Noon- 5 PM
At the Congregational Church (UCC), Tryon
210 Melrose Ave., Tryon, NC 28782
(Sale location will be in the Melrose Ave. parking lot of the church)