From the folks at BBG in Brooklyn:

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

“Over 20,000 Plants Available!
Exclusive Plants from Forthcoming “Dan Hinkley Collection”
for Monrovia Nurseries Available for Shoppers
Plus Demonstrations, Personalized Shopping Services, and More

Wednesday, May 6, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 7, 9 a.m. to Noon
Members-Only Preview Sale: Tuesday, May 5, 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 a selection of quality plants unmatched in the metropolitan area, BBG’s Plant Sale draws thousands of plant lovers each year, who take advantage of the incredible values as well as one-on-one gardening advice from BBG horticulture experts. Over 20,000 plants will be on display for sale in an area the size of two football fields on BBG’s peerless Cherry Esplanade. Where else can one shop for plants as the final cherry blossoms create a beautiful petal carpet to mark the end of Hanami, the Garden’s cherry blossom–viewing season?

(photos by Patrick Cullina, courtesy BBG).

Dedicated to helping local urbanites improve their gardens and gardening prowess while making the city greener, the two-day BBG Plant Sale offers both indoor and outdoor plants, including 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.

This year, the Plant Sale is working with sponsor Monrovia Nurseries to offer two extraordinary opportunities to shoppers. Five selections from renowned plant explorer Dan Hinkley’s much-awaited collection of carefully chosen plants—slated for wide release by Monrovia in early summer—will be made available at the sale. The exclusive varieties include three stunning fuchsias (Fuchsia genii ‘Aurea,’ F. ‘Hawkshead,’ and F. magellanica ‘Windcliff Flurry’), an unusual Solomon’s seal (Disporopsis peryni ‘Sichuan Jade’), and a red-leafed mukdenia (Mukdenia rossi ‘Crimson Fans’). Hinkley travels the world seeking unusual and exotic plants and subsequently trials them as a hands-on gardener to evaluate their performance in the garden. Of special concern is that his introductions do not possess the potential for bio-invasiveness. The result is a collection of plants both mesmerizingly exotic and gardener-friendly.

The Plant Sale will also offer an exclusive opportunity to purchase specimens from Monrovia’s Itoh Peony Collection, utterly unique hybrids. For many years, it was assumed that crossing an herbaceous peony with a tree peony was impossible. After years of research and disappointment, this feat was accomplished, and Monrovia is offering four stunning beauties for release in 2009, which will be available at the Plant Sale. Itoh peonies resemble tree peonies with a domed, vigorous growth habit and large double flowers with disease-resistant lacy, dark green foliage. Winter hardy, Itoh peonies can provide up to 50 blooms in a single season due to their ability to produce primary and secondary buds. They offer an increased color range, greater vigor, and excellent resistance to peony blight (botrytis paeoniae). These large plants of blooming age are sure to ignite a passion for peonies across the continent.

Over the 55-year history of the event, Plant Sale organizers have recognized the creative, adventurous, and unique nature of urban gardeners and have added programs to help visitors build their personal Plant Sale experience. This year’s Plant Sale offers a selection of shopping tours, talks, and more on Wednesday, May 6, for shoppers of all interests and gardening skill levels. A bonsai clinic and demonstration will be led by BBG bonsai curator Julian Velasco, who will advise on pruning, repotting, designing, and caring for personal bonsai (10 a.m.–noon and–3 p.m., $25 per bonsai). Spectators are welcome to watch and learn free of charge. Personalized shopping services are offered as well: houseplants for sun and shade (2 p.m.) and “hidden treasure” shrubs and perennials that offer the best bang for your buck (11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.). There are also talks on the uses of a wide variety of herbs in cooking (10 a.m. and 3 p.m.); cracking the mystery of repotting and reblooming orchids (noon and 3 p.m.); and selecting long-blooming, unusual, and easy-care annuals (10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.). 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 5, from 4:30 to 8:30 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 the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Auxiliary.

BBG’s 2009 Plant Sale is presented by the BBG Auxiliary and sponsored by Monrovia.

NOTE: On Tuesday, May 5, the Garden will close to the public at 4 p.m. for the Members-Only Preview Sale. On May 6 and 7, 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 was rated Brooklyn’s number one tourist attraction in Zagat’s 2008 Best of Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 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). 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, the 4 train to Franklin Avenue, or the Franklin shuttle to Botanic Garden. 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.