Falling for Plants

Friends of UCR Botanic Gardens is having its 26th annual Fall Plant Sale - just in time for the fall planting season. The sale will take place Saturday, October 18, 2008 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and will continue Sunday, October 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Take advantage of our cool fall weather. Plants established during fall and winter grow faster in spring and require less water next summer. You'll find plenty of plants to choose from at the Friends of UCR Botanic Gardens Fall Plant Sale. There will be nearly 10,000 plants, including many rare and unusual varieties, as well as some old favorites. Choose from colorful, heat-loving trees and shrubs, flowering perennials, miniature roses, rare cacti and other succulents, lots of herbs, patio and houseplants, orchids, wildflower seeds and much more. A special selection of showy, water-efficient and California native plants will also be available for the fall planting season. Botanic Gardens T-shirts, a full color Subtropical Trees of California poster, Hummingbird Garden poster, Armadillo arm protectors and handsome composite urns will be for sale.

Most of the plants for sale will have a detailed information sign and color photo to help you make your selections. U.C. Master Gardeners, Gardens' staff and Volunteers will be available to answer your questions. There will be a Preview Plant Sale for Members of the Friends of UCR Botanic Gardens. For more information on the sale, or on joining the "Friends", please contact Steve Morgan at the Botanic Gardens at 951-784-6962, e-mail ucrbg@ucr.edu, visit our website at www.gardens.ucr.edu or write to the address listed below.

The Botanic Gardens cover more than 40 acres and feature nearly 3500 plant species from around the world. Enjoy beautiful vistas and numerous scenic trails, including gentle pathways graded for wheelchair access. A wide array of blooming plants can be seen year around. With local freeway construction occurring, be sure to verify current directions by calling or by visiting our website as the date approaches. Parking for the sale is free; regular visitor parking is 25 cents an hour.

Botanic Gardens, Univ. of Calif., Riverside, (951)784-6962, email ucrbg@ucr.edu. www.gardens.ucr.edu.