I've always been partial to bulbs because of their beauty and long lives. We typically offer a limited stock of unusual species that sometimes have strict cultivation requirements,  but this year we are fortunate to have a good selection of ornamental Calla lilles that happen to be among the easiest bulbs to enjoy. They come in a variety of rich colors and are equally suitable for the garden or in pots. We will offer mature sprouting bulbs in 1 gallon containers that should produce a profusion of blooms this summer. . 

It will come as no surprise that my staff pick is the Silent Auction, but we do have some great surprises for you! The Silent Auction will be held from 4 pm - 6 pm during the Members' Sale, which this year will be on Saturday.
Check out our website for a partial list of plants.

Here are some late arriving favorites of mine for which I don't have photos: the fabled Namibian Welwitschia mirabilis; a giant pot of Xeronema callistemon, the Poor Knight's Lily; a beautiful and large specimen of Livistona decora, the Ribbon or Drooping Fan Palm; Otatea glauca, a relatively dry growing weeping bamboo from Mexico; and a good sized specimen Cornus florida urbiniana, our famous Mexican flowering dogwood.  The auction will include other fantastic plants!  I hope to see you on Saturday.

Photo by James Gaither

Magic Flower of the Incas (Cantua buxifolia) is the national flower
of Peru, and a wonderful addition to your garden. This 8' - 10' shrub might best be grown growing up through something leafy, as the stems/branches can be sparsely leafy depending on the season. 
The flowers, though, are fabulous. The dozens of bright tubular
flowers appear in spring and attract hummingbirds.

Photo courtesy of San Marcos Growers

This evergreen grass is a real gem for your new meadow garden. A hybrid between Sesleria caerulea and Sesleria autumnalis, this approximately 1' x 1' grass will tolerate drought once established and is very delightful when in bloom in late winter to early spring. Great for creating drifts amongst other perennials or as the backbone of a mixed grass meadow.

My fav for the silent auction?

New to the Spring Plant Sale? A novice, but excited about exploring the amazing plant world? Then, you're like me. Tips for the newbie: be sure to make it to the tail end of the sale, it's worth it. And, there you can find some gorgeous succulents, a perfect plant type for cutting your teeth as a burgeoning gardener.

Click the video image for a quick sneak
peek at the tail end of the Spring Plant Sale shopping route as we prepare for this weekend.

The glow of California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) is one of the first things you see when you enter the Garden this time of year.  Our new UCBG Poppy Socks capture the essence of the season and can stay with you (or on you) as a reminder of the Garden all year long! Look for The Garden Shop booth as you approach the checkout line at the sale.

We've added a third shuttle to get you to the sale quickly. Park in the upper levels of the Lawrence Hall of Science lot and pay the nearby attendant. The shuttle stop will be clearly marked with an umbrella and signage.

Shuttle riders receive an extra Door Prize ticket.