Fall sales sprout in some unexpected places
At this year’s crop of fall plant sales, look for treasured favorites, tempting introductions and coveted rarities -- many in limited quantities and not available elsewhere. Choice finds include a new weeping shrub, XChiranthofremontia lenzii, and two new salvias at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden; Crotalaria agatifolia, a fast-growing bush with chartreuse bird-shaped blossoms at the Huntington; and specimen-size plumerias and sago palms at discount prices at Fullerton College. In addition to plants, seeds and bulbs, most events feature expert advice, and many offer books, tools, gifts and other items. Purchases help fund local public gardens, plant societies, school programs and community projects. Events are free unless otherwise noted. Veteran sale-hoppers know to come early for the best selection.
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-- Lili Singer
Fullerton Arboretum: California native, Mediterranean-climate and drought-tolerant plants propagated by arboretum volunteers and staff for sale in the Potting Shed. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton. (714) 278-3579.
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Soka University: California native grasses, perennials, shrubs, trees and more. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 2. Soka University of America Botanical Research Center and Nursery, 26800 W. Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. (818) 878-3741.
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South Coast Botanic Garden: An assortment of native and nonnative plants, co-sponsored by the South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation and the South Coast chapter of the California Native Plant Society. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 2. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. (310) 544-6815.
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Fullerton College: The horticulture department offers native and drought-tolerant ornamentals, succulents, ground covers, grasses and bulbs, plus unusual shade plants and large specimens at discount prices. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 2, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3. 321 E. Chapman Ave., Building 1610, Fullerton. (714) 992-7381.
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Descanso Gardens: Large selection of autumn plants for sale, including camellias and azaleas, lilacs for mild-winter gardens, roses, abutilons, irises, succulents, natives, cymbidiums orchids, herbs, geraniums, perennials and vines. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 8 and 9. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge. (818) 949-4200.
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Theodore Payne Foundation: Huge inventory of California native plants and seeds, plus books and art, with discounts to members and nonmembers, at the open house and fall festival. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15-17. 10459 Tuxford St., Sun Valley. (818) 768-1802.
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Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: California native and other plants for the Mediterranean climate, including hard-to-find native bulbs and the garden’s newest cultivars. Also: specialty growers and artisans with garden-inspired wares. Parking limited; carpooling recommended. 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 16. 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara. (805) 682-4726.
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Sepulveda Garden Center: Thousands of California native plants, plus seeds, books, posters and gifts for sale at the plant fair. Event is sponsored by the Los Angeles and Santa Monica Mountains chapter of the California Native Plant Society. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16-17. 16633 Magnolia Blvd., Encino.
(818) 881- 3706.
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Conejo Valley Botanic Garden: California native and waterwise plants for sale in the Kids’ Adventure Garden. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 16-17. Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, 350 W. Gainsborough Road,Thousand Oaks. (805) 494-7630.
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Fullerton Arboretum: Dozens of specialty plant vendors, garden accessory suppliers featured plus an appearance by Old Bob, the 100-pound snapping turtle, at a fall planting festival. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct.16-17. 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton. (714) 278-4792.
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Huntington Gardens: Fall foliage, autumn and winter blooms and rare bulbs are featured, plus tropicals, herbs and succulents. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 23-24. Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. (626) 405-2100.
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El Dorado Nature Center: Native plant and wildflower seed sale is sponsored by the Friends of El Dorado Nature Center. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 30. 7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach. There is a $5 vehicle entry fee. (562) 570-4880.
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Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden: Plant sale features 12,000 native and California-friendly plants, plus new introductions, rare native bulbs and seeds, and a book-signing by salvia expert Betsy Clebsch. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 6; 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7. 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont. (909) 625-8767.
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Eaton Canyon Nature Center: Plant sale and fundraiser for the San Gabriel Mountains chapter of the California Native Plant Society offers native plants and seeds for Los Angeles basin gardens, including bird and butterfly attractors. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4. 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena. (626) 359-5278.
