Natural History Wanderings

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Spring Sale of California Native Plants

Tips for Successful Shopping at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden’s Plant Sale

1.  Make a list of the plants you want before you come to the sale. If you have the time, come to the garden during open hours (8:30 am to 5 pm) one or two days before the sale to see what plants are available and where those plants are located in the sale area. If you can’t come before the sale, be open to not finding everything on your list but perhaps finding some exciting surprises instead.

2. Join the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden—membership grants you admission to the sale at 9 am, an hour before everyone else. If you don’t have time to join the Friends beforehand, you can join at the sale starting at 8:30 am on April 18 (the day of the sale).

3.  Arrive at the sale early; the selection is best at the beginning. Many people arrive at least an hour before the sale opens and wait in line. To make that experience more pleasant, dress warmly and bring hot drinks. Peruse the plant list (available at nativeplants.org a few days before the sale) and the sale area map (we’ll hand them out to those in line). Get to know your neighbors in line: You have a big interest in common: native plants!

4. Take advantage of the knowledgeable volunteers and garden staff members (wearing brightly colored armbands) to get advice or answers to your questions.

5.  Use the holding area to store your plants as you shop. You can add to your collection of plants in the holding area as you go.

6.  Bring boxes or a small wagon for carrying your plants from the sale area to the holding area and for carrying your plants home.

7.  If the cashier line is really long, go for a stroll in the garden before you get in that line. Or take time for an early lunch or snack: Enjoy it in the garden if it’s warm or at the Tilden Golf Course’s Grizzly Grill if it’s chilly.

8.  Bring your checkbook, credit card, or plenty of cash—there’s nothing more disappointing than getting to the cashier and realizing you’ve gathered up more plants than you have money with you.

9.  Don’t forget to visit the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden table. You’ll find native seeds and books on natives for sale. You’ll also find very “Friendly” volunteers to help you select seed as well as chat with you about what we do, the classes we offer, and the benefits of joining the Friends if you’re not a member.