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A couple of months ago, while checking out the local University of Riverside Community Garden, I decided to visit the UCR botanical garden as well. While I was there I noticed a poster of a plant sale that was going to happen 2 months later. I marked it on my calendar. Fast forward two months later, I was able to get the opportunity to visit it this past weekend.
Arriving at the parking lot, first thing I noticed was the workers handing out parking passes and directing visitors to the shuttle waiting area. The garden itself wasn’t too far, so one could simply walk the distance if they wish. You could also wait for the shuttle that circles around about every 10 minutes to take you there as well. Once I entered, the very first thing I noticed was the beautifully arranged flowers right after the entrance.
The amount of people present surprised me. Here I was thinking it was going to be a small showing, but easily hundreds of people were present. It did seemed like the staff was prepared for this. They had volunteers directing the flow of people, as well as having an exit only area.
When I entered the garden, I noticed there was a canal with bridges going across. There were all sorts of booths set up on both sides. I didn’t think much of it, but shortly learned otherwise. The canal separated those were invited to set up booths for vendors who paid to attend.
They made it clear that you can’t freely cart around plants from one side of the canal to the other. There were assigned holding locations for plants if you wish to jump back and form during your shopping spree.
UCR made pricing plants really easy as well. Each pot contained a colored tab. The color tabs represented a price group. The key for the color and pricing were spread around so you were never too far from knowing just how much the plant cost.
The plants themselves were also laid out in a very organized area. They had separate sections depending on the type of plant, as well as a sections dedicated to California native plants. Need more information on what type of plant your getting? They had you covered. Each section of plants contained a informational sheet in front that would contain the class, type, how much sun exposure and watering was needed, ect. Very detailed and very well done.
But it wasn’t just plants they had at this sale. They also and some food stands. They had informational booths had held demo and presentations, such as hydroponic and different types of insects. I was also able to see a stand about feeding and leaving out food for wild birds as well. One of the groups I got to meet were the Master Gardeners. This group of volunteers were around and readily available to answer any gardening questions one may have.
When I first heard of the plant sell I thought it was going to be small like a garage sale. But when I saw people bringing in wagons and wheelbarrows, I realized I was in for a surprize. UCR even had boxes placed out in case people didn’t have anything to carry their plants home in.
This was a nice surprise. UCR even had classes for kids to take. A lot of people took a stroll around the garden after checking out the plant sale. I look forward to the next UCR plant sale in April. Have you been to any plant sales that surprised you? Are there any events that you are looking forward to this year? Please let me know in the comment section below.
