From the U.C. Botanical Garden Sale!

Here's the next installment of plant frenzy - Friday evening was the member's preview of the U.C. botanical garden's Spring sale. (Once again readers may refer back to last year's account) This year seemed a bit more laid-back than last year's, even before the attendees got the free wine into them. We arrived early, anticipating the ever-present crowd and limited parking. We passed some pleasant moments sitting on a live oak shaded bench while flowering currant and hummingbird sage photosynthesized behind us under the oak. Then, about an hour before the sale began we joined the already growing line. The time passed pleasantly as we conversed with fellow plant enthusiasts. But as the time neared a surge of excitement went through the line. Soon, the gate was opened and with mutual wishes to one another of "Good luck!" the plant hunters rushed into the garden. By then I'd decided to focus on getting some houseplants so it was to there that I made my way. I think I was actually the first one in this section and I procured several wonderful plants. After this I made my way to all of the other sections. I found several more plants, including some blue-eyed grass for relatives who were off running around somewhere in Big Sur. As my initial plant grab surge calmed I made my way to the refreshments and got a couple plates for John and I (John was once again stationed near the grasses.) The little sandwiches with basil and tomato were especially good and I very much enjoyed these. So, after a glass of sparkling water and a couple more plants it was time to go! We made our way through checkout and out the exit. As it was last year the plant loading area was an area of intense activity. Since we were close by we bypassed this and simply took our plants up to the car ourselves. After all this excitement I was pretty worn out. We came home and I passed a pleasant evening finishing my Thai hot and sour soup. So, just a few highlights are pictured - first, an Aeschynanthus from Borneo. This one is in a 6" pot with a width of nearly 3.5 feet! I imagine its aboreal habitat with clouded leopards frolicking in the vicinity. Next is Kohleria cv. Ampallang. I looked up this cultivar name and what I found didn't seem immediately connected to the plant, though I suppose you could see an approximate resemblance. Perhaps the word has another meaning. If anyone out there can determine how it got this name let me know. The next picture features some blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum cultivars) and a Festuca idahoensis. I got the fescue from the grass area where John was waiting. There's more, but if I listed everything I wouldn't have time to plant! Stay tuned for my next adventure in plant-world!