In the Garden

From Kate Bloom at BBG. Save the date. This is the mother of all plant sales.

“Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Annual Plant Sale Returns
with Over 20,000 Plants Available!
Largest Sale of Its Kind in Region Is in 57th Year

Extended 2010 Hours! Wednesday, May 5 | 9 a.m. to 8 p.m
Thursday, May 6 | 9 a.m. to Noon

The Northeast’s most anticipated springtime plant extravaganza, Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s annual benefit Plant Sale, returns for the 57th time this spring 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’s horticulture experts. Over 20,000 plants will be for sale in an area the size of two football fields on BBG’s Cherry Esplanade—which will likely be radiant with pink blossoms, courtesy of its 76 flowering cherry trees.
Dedicated to helping local urbanites improve their gardens while making the city greener, the two-day Plant Sale offers both indoor and outdoor plants, including a vast selection of perennials, shrubs, trees, and vines; herbs and vegetables, including heirloom varieties; exotic tropicals; native plants; hanging baskets; orchids; “collector’s corners” of rare and unusual annuals; and much more. Due to the Plant Sale’s immense popularity, hours have been extended until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, to accommodate everyone who wishes to stock up on the Plant Sale’s garden gems.
This year, the Plant Sale is working with sponsor Monrovia Nurseries to offer extraordinary opportunities to shoppers. Monrovia will be supplying the Plant Sale with several unusual varieties of large-flowered, fragrant honeysuckles; a wonderful assortment of ferns for the city’s many shady gardens; and an extensive selection of lilacs. In addition, the Plant Sale will be aglow with several new knockout roses—many double flowering—already in bloom.
The Plant Sale will also offer specimens from Monrovia’s extraordinary Itoh peony collection. For many years, it was assumed that it was impossible to cross a herbaceous peony with a tree peony. After years of attempts and disappointments, this feat was accomplished, and Monrovia will have five varieties available at the Plant Sale. Itoh peonies resemble tree peonies with a vigorous, domed growth habit; large double flowers with disease-resistant lacy dark green foliage; and an extended bloom period.
This year’s Plant Sale also offers a selection of shopping tours, talks, and more on Wednesday, May 5, for shoppers of all interests and levels of gardening skill:
• A bonsai clinic and demonstration will be led by BBG bonsai curator Julian Velasco. Bring your own pest-free bonsai for pruning, repotting, and advice. Fee of $25 per bonsai includes new soil and wire. Spectators are welcome, free of charge (10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m.).
• Learn which houseplants for sun and shade will work in your home (2 p.m).
• Crack the mystery of repotting and reblooming orchids with the curator of BBG’s orchid collection, David Horak (noon and 3 p.m.)
• Get tips on selecting long-blooming, unusual, and easy-care annuals (10:30 a.m. and 3:30 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.).
• Discover how use some of the unusual culinary herbs for sale (10 a.m. and 3 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.
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. A Members-Only Preview Sale will be held on Tuesday, May 4, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is with a BBG membership card only. Memberships may be purchased at the entrances. BBG’s 2010 Plant Sale is presented by the BBG Auxiliary and sponsored by Monrovia. For more information, visit http://www.bbg.org/vis2/2010/plantsale/.
NOTE: On Tuesday, May 4, the Garden will close to the public at 4 p.m. for the Members-Only Preview Sale. On May 5 and 6, 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 12,000 kinds of plants and hosts more than 725,000 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 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Garden is closed on Mondays (but open for weekend hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President’s Day) and closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. 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 Chile Pepper Fiesta). Enjoy FREE weekday admission through March 3, 2010. 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, the B (weekdays) or Q train to Prospect Park, the 4 or 5 train to Franklin Avenue, or the Franklin shuttle to Botanic Garden. By bus, use the B16, B41, B43, B45, B48, or B71. Attended parking (for a fee) is available at 900 Washington Avenue.