Lots and lots of plant sales in May, but it’s hard to top one with 20,000 plants on hand. And it’s timed to the cherry blossom bloom time.

Here’s email/press release from Denise Capuano about the giant plant sale at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

“Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Annual Plant Sale
Largest in the Northeast!

“Over 20,000 Plants Available!
New Bonsai Clinic and Demonstration Added to Event Schedule
Personalized Shopping Services, and More

“BBG Horticulture Experts On Hand to Answer Questions and Offer Plant Tips
Plus 200 Little Red Wagon Shopping Carts!

(photos: Patrick Cullina, courtesy BBG).

“Wednesday, May 7, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 8, 9 a.m. to Noon
Members-Only Preview Sale: Tuesday, May 6, 4:30 to 8 p.m.

“The dates are set for the Northeast’s most anticipated springtime plant extravaganza: Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s annual benefit Plant Sale. With the largest selection of quality plants in the metropolitan area, BBG’s Plant Sale draws thousands of plant lovers each year, who take advantage of the unmatched value as well as the one-on-one gardening advice from BBG horticulture experts.

“Over 20,000 plants will be on display in an area the size of two football fields on Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s incomparable Cherry Esplanade. Where else can one shop for plants while blossoms cascade onto the beautiful petal carpet that marks the end of Hanami, the Garden’s cherry blossom–viewing season?

“Dedicated to helping local urbanites improve their gardens and gardening prowess while making the city greener, the two-day BBG Plant Sale offers indoor and outdoor plants; a vast selection of perennials, shrubs, trees and vines; herbs and tomatoes, including heirloom varieties; exotic tropicals; native plants; hanging baskets; orchids; “collector’s corners” of rare and unusual annuals; and much more.

“Over the 54-year history of the event, Plant Sale organizers have recognized the creative, adventurous, and unique nature of Brooklyn gardeners and have added programs to help visitors build a personal Plant Sale experience.

“This year’s Plant Sale offers a bonsai clinic and demonstration by BBG bonsai curator Julian Velasco, who will advise on pruning, repotting, designing, and caring for personal bonsai (May 7, 10 a.m. to Noon and 2 to 4 p.m., $25 per bonsai). Spectators are welcome to watch and learn free of charge. The 2008 Bonsai Clinic is a revival of a popular program instituted by legendary BBG bonsai master Frank Okamura.

“Personalized shopping services are offered as well: guided shopping for houseplants for sun and shade (May 8, 10 a.m.) and “hidden treasures” shrubs and perennials (May 8, 9:30 a.m.), a workshop on creating and caring for houseplants (May 7, 2 p.m.), a talk on cracking the mystery of getting orchids to rebloom (May 7, Noon and 3 p.m.), an Ask the Expert session with BBG vice president of Horticulture Patrick Cullina (May 7, 3 to 4 p.m.), and more. Plus, representatives from BBG’s GreenBridge community environmental horticulture program will be on hand to give Plant Sale shoppers tips about composting and other sustainable gardening practices.

“In addition, a Children’s Plant Sale for approximately 180 school classes will be held in the Children’s Garden, with thousands of plants priced at 50 cents each. The children’s portion of the sale underscores the Garden’s education mission. Since its inception in 1954, the Plant Sale has helped benefit children’s education programs at the Garden.

“A Members-Only Preview Sale will be held on Tuesday, May 6 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is with a BBG membership card only. Memberships may be purchased at the entrances.

“With each paid Plant Sale admission, visitors receive a free admission coupon to use on a return visit. A supply of red shopping wagons is provided, but buyers are encouraged to bring a cart if they can. Cash, checks, and Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards are accepted. The benefit plant sale is sponsored by Brooklyn Botanic Garden Auxiliary.

“NOTE: On Tuesday, May 6, the Garden will close to the public at 4 p.m. for the Members-Only Preview Sale. On May 7 and 8, the Garden will open at 9 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.

“Founded in 1910, Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is an independent nonprofit institution committed to education, research, and the display of horticulture. BBG serves communities in New York City and internationally through its world-class gardens, extensive research collections, and numerous educational and community programs. Situated on 52 acres in the heart of Brooklyn, the Garden is home to over 10,000 types of plants and hosts more than 700,000 visitors annually.

“Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. The Garden is closed on Mondays; open holiday Mondays, except Labor Day. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for senior citizens (65 and older) and students with ID. Children under 12, all school groups, and Garden members are admitted free at all times. Seniors are admitted free all day Friday, and the Garden is free to the public all day on Tuesdays and until noon on Saturdays (except Saturdays of major Public Programs such as Sakura Matsuri). Enjoy free weekday admission (Tuesday through Friday) from November 20, 2007 to February 29, 2008. Visitor entrances are at Flatbush Avenue, at the parking lot gate at 900 Washington Avenue, and at Eastern Parkway. By subway, take the 2 or 3 train to Eastern Parkway or the B (weekdays) or Q train to Prospect Park. By bus, use the B16, B41, B43, B45, B48, or B71. Parking is available at 900 Washington Avenue for a fee. For more information call 718-623-7200. Additional information is also offered online at bbg.org.”