Huntington spring plant sale April 29

More and more families are “going green,” planting vegetable gardens at home. Along with a bountiful harvest of seasonal produce, home gardeners are reaping other benefits, too, by reconnecting with nature and bringing the idea of locally grown produce into their own backyards.

The 38th Annual Spring Plant Sale at The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to get inspired—and to pick up some vegetable seedlings ready to plant, along with a whole lot more. This year’s sale takes place on Sunday, April 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Members of The Huntington can shop early at a preview sale on Saturday, April 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Garden lovers will find all the newest plants, the most sought-after collectibles, and the popular favorites that have made this event an annual rite for Southern California gardeners for nearly four decades.

Trees will be prominently featured, as well, notes sale manager Louise Guerin. “Many local homeowners are shopping for trees this spring to replace the ones they lost during last winter’s windstorm,” she says. “We’re increasing the selection of saplings we’ll be offering in order to meet the demand.” Japanese maples, viburnums, and smoketrees are just a few of the varieties to look for.

For those cultivating an edible garden—either as row crops, in patio containers, or as part of an ornamental landscape—the sale will offer a wide selection of vegetable seedlings, herbs, and fruits that will yield a bumper crop of home-grown flavor. Among the offerings to look for are heirloom tomatoes such as Purple Calabash, Green Zebra, Yellow Brandywine, and Black Icicle; unusual varieties of eggplant like the striped Udumalapet or Louisiana Long Green; Sweet Chocolate and Purple Beauty bell peppers; white alpine strawberries; avocado and stone fruit trees; and more.

No home garden would be complete without herbs—some of which, like thyme, make beautiful landscape plantings in addition to being useful in the kitchen. Dozens of varieties will be available.

There will be plenty of ornamental plants, too, from flowering shrubs to palms and tropicals. Highlights include colorful southwest natives such as the blue-flowering Ceanothus, burgundy flowered Chilopsis (desert willow), and the striking Matilija poppy. Drought-tolerant offerings will be well represented and will include several aloe hybrids that are Huntington introductions.

Shoppers can also pick up gardening tips and expert advice, on topics ranging from backyard orcharding to pest control, from the volunteers and staff members who will be on hand at the sale. Several informal talks will be offered throughout the day.
In order to present the widest possible variety of plants, quantities of each are limited and popular items may sell out quickly. Guerin advises shoppers to arrive early for the best selection, and to bring a wagon or cart to carry their purchases. Admission to the sale is free.

For additional information call 626- 405-2100 or visit www.huntington.org.


Visitor information:

The Huntington is located at 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, Calif., and is open to the public Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Sunday, and Monday holidays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day) are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and major holidays. Admission on weekdays: $15 adults, $12 seniors (65+), $10 students (ages 12–18 or with full-time student I.D.), $6 youth (ages 5–11), free for children under 5. Group rate $11 per person for groups of 15 or more. Members are admitted free. Admission on weekends and Monday holidays: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, $6 youth, free for children under 5. Group rate $14 per person for groups of 15 or more. Members are admitted free. Admission is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of each month with advance tickets. Information: 626-405-2100 or www.huntington.org.