Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Annual Plant Sale Returns With Over 20,000 Plants

Extended Hours! Wednesday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday, May 5, 9 a.m. to Noon
Members-Only Preview Sale: Tuesday, May 3, 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Release Date: April 13, 2011

Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s annual benefit Plant Sale returns for the 59th time this spring with the largest selection of affordable quality plants in the metropolitan area. This year offers a special emphasis on native plants in honor of the centennial of BBG’s Native Flora Garden. More than 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. Over two days, thousands of plant lovers will take advantage of the sale’s incredible values and expert gardening advice from the Garden’s Horticulture staff.

The two-day Plant Sale offers plants especially selected for urban gardeners, whether their garden space is a windowsill or a spacious yard. In addition to a specially curated selection of perennials and shrubs native to the Northeast, shoppers will find a vast selection of trees and vines; herbs and vegetables, including heirloom varieties; exotic tropicals; 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 4.

This year, the Plant Sale is working with major donor Monrovia Nurseries, which is providing a wonderful assortment of ferns for the city’s many shady gardens, an extensive collection of lilacs, and many native plant selections. In addition, the Plant Sale will be aglow with several new Knockout roses—many double flowering—already in bloom.

The 2011 Plant Sale also features shopping tours, talks, and more on Wednesday, May 4, for shoppers of all interests and gardening skill levels:

• 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. A fee of $25 per bonsai includes new soil and wire. Spectators are welcome to watch, 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 BBG’s curator of the 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 some unusual culinary herbs and learn their use in the kitchen (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 Garden 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. All major credit cards, cash, and checks are accepted.

The Members-Only Preview Sale will be held on Tuesday, May 3, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is with a BBG membership card only; memberships may be purchased at Garden entrances. BBG’s 2011 Plant Sale is presented by the BBG Auxiliary with major donor support from Monrovia.

NOTE: On Tuesday, May 3, the Garden will close to the public at 4 p.m. for the Preview Sale. On May 4 and 5, the Garden will open at 9 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.