Sunday May 1, the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden’s spring plant sale will attract hundreds of gardeners to select plants especially for their gardens from the biggest selection from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5941 Mason Road, Sechelt. From beginning gardeners to shrewd shoppers, everyone will find some choice selections. Volunteers bring you plants suitable to every sort of growing condition from beachside to forest, dry to boggy, shaded or sunny. There are even plants that thrive under cedars, are unlikely deer or slug food, or can take salt spray.
The Botanical Garden Society held its first plant sale in 2003, a tiny version of a few dozen pots from car trunks in Gibsons with David Tarrant as star salesman. Now in its 14th year with thousands of plants and a year-round potting-up team, this sale is the Coast’s version of the famed one at VanDusen.
This year we’re featuring plants that support the birds and bees, pollinators, butterflies and hummingbirds. You’ll also find easy beauties such as red coneflowers, pink evening primrose, elegant Moon of Nippon peony, Butterfly Blue pincushion flower, and the tidiest daisy mum, named Real Neat. Connoisseur alert: there will be cypripediums, or lady’s slippers, at the specialty table while they last.
Master gardeners will be on hand to give solutions to a range of garden problems. Eager shoppers arrive early for the best selection, but later in the morning, you’ll have a more relaxed experience, with time to talk to your fellow gardeners. Also browse the gently used gardening books for more inspiration and how-to-grow methods.
Admission is free, but bring cash, cheque, or credit card for purchases; debit is not available. Bring a box, barrow or bin to tote your treasures and bargains back to the parking lot, or put them in our plant hold area while you continue shopping or visit the Garden.
Entrance and parking is at the north entrance – look for the Botanical Garden sign. Overflow parking is on Mason Road, but watch for posted no parking zones.
For a list of the plants for sale, visit www.coastbotanicalgarden.org. Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden is open for summer hours beginning May 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Wednesday.
– Submitted by Mary Blockberger, Garden manager
