The biggest one-day plant sale of the year is Sunday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden. Thousands of plants in all categories are available at very reasonable prices, plus expert advice from seasoned volunteers and master gardeners, garden books galore, and our special recipe organic fertilizer.
There are plants to make your garden glorious for every season: winter-blooming box shrub, early spring treasures and dazzling giant bleeding hearts and peonies for late spring, roses, hostas and lilies, including the giant Himalayan lily for summer drama. Your fall garden will love intriguing toad lilies, and trees that turn spectacular shades.
For the foody, we have berries including gooseberry and tayberry, even a cherry tree. There is an entire shade house full of things that thrive in partial or full shade: ornamental grasses, ground covers and always a few rarities, false indigo Twilight Prairie Blues, handsome succulents and a sculptural perennial called Lobelia tupa.
Need tips on slug control? Ask an expert. Planting a tree? Be sure to dig the hole at least twice as wide as the pot it came in, and add any extra nutrients not in the hole but on the surface, then water deeply through the first summer or two. Need to look up a plant name, choose plants for special conditions such as wind, salt, tree roots, too wet or too dry? The master gardeners on duty are pleased to help, and most of the volunteers at the sale have many years of growing experience. At the Botanical Garden, we love to share good growing information.
Entrance is at the main parking lot, admission is free. Savvy shoppers arrive early to get the best plant selection. Plan to carpool, and bring a cart, wheelbarrow or bins to tote your purchases. A plant hold area allows you to park your plants for a while so you can shop more, retrieve your car, or wander through the garden at no charge. Shoppers with mobility challenges can be dropped off at Gate 2, marked with a handicap parking sign.
Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden is at 5941 Mason Rd. in West Sechelt, and is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during summer (closed Thursdays), by donation. Members enjoy unlimited visits plus many extra perks. For information about the Garden, see www.coastbotanicalgarden.org
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