Sunday, May 6 is The Big Plant Sale at Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a huge selection of perennials, shrubs and small trees, grasses, pollinator plants and beauties to make your heart sing. Volunteers have laboured through late fall and cold early spring potting plants donated or grown at the Garden – yes, they too are called potters.
Some of this year’s features are Japanese maples, peonies, roses, rhubarb, and an outstanding golden bamboo in a pot. There are perennials for all sizes and types of gardens, from hot sun to shade, from seaside to woodland. Collector alert: there will be lady’s slippers (Cypripedium formosum) at the Specialty Table while they last. For a link to the plant list, scroll down the homepage of www.coastbotanicalgarden.org.
You’ll also find many gently-read, well-priced garden reference books, coffee table books, and how-to-garden books for sale.
Traditionally, the keeners line up prior to the opening for best selection and bargains, but for leisurely shopping with a chance to ask questions about the best plants for your garden conditions, try coming just after the first half hour.
Admission to the sale and to the Garden Sunday 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 the Plant Hold area while you continue shopping or have a good look round the Garden. Parking is in the main north parking lot (with the big sign). There is a handicap drop-off point marked near the south building.
Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden is at 5941 Mason Road, Sechelt, and is open six days a week during summer, Friday to Wednesday (closed Thursdays) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., by donation. Members enjoy unlimited visits plus notices of events and special offers. For information, visit www.coastbotanicalgarden.org.
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