Hi Houndmom,

The garden sale is always fun with lots of unusual and common plants for sale. They have shopping carts and pull carts for you to use. Go early for the best selections.

Regarding the prices - some of the prices are competitive with local nurseries, while some are a bit higher. If price is a concern to you, then do some shopping before the DBG sale so you know if you are getting a good deal or not. Otherwise proceeds from the sale help support the garden, which is the purpose of the sale.

Happy shopping.

Just a note for those interested: the dates of the DBG sale are October 11 for members only and then Oct 12 + 13 for the general public. Tohono Chul Gardens in Tucson is also having their sale on the 12th + 13th.

Get there early, before 7am on Saturday. If you're a member go Friday early. By 9am the line to checkout is usually over 100 feet long. They have carts. The prices are OK with a membership. If not the local nurseries prices are the same or cheaper.

Go Friday 7 AM, much of the best stuff is gone by Saturday. If you do go for the Saturday leftovers, get there really early. Sadly, most of the stuff there is from vendors, rather than the DBG itself, but it's still worthwhile.

Thank you all for the input. Unfortunately, I am not a member so I cant go until Sat. Guess I will take my chances and hope for the best being there at 7am. If there is anything you suggest I look for, please let me know. I am specifically looking for smaller sized agaves that can take mostly full sun.

A. macroacantha
A. shrevei
A. glomeruliflora
A. zebra

I'm listing these because I've seen them at past DBG sales.

The DBG sales are GREAT. The spring one is the better of the two in my opinion, but only slightly so. It's definitely worth the paltry price to join the garden and get into the sales on the members only day, plus unlimited entry all year, free passes for visitors you can give out, and a discount at the DBG gift store, invitations to special members only previews etc. It's a great deal. Oh AND it's partially tax deductible too! You could join now and have a temporary card in time for the sale. Member previews are great, especially if you're a plant shark, seeking new, rare, unusual varieties. I got almost every sale. Fun.

They usually have plenty of carts, but sometimes on the public days they run low. That's why I bought my own little collapsible cart that I always take with me (you can buy them at Walmart or the Container Store, or lots of places--I got mine at the Pasadena flea market, LOL). Good to have an insurance policy!

Earliest is bestest, hah. The rescue table often has some neat plants that just need some TLC, or are cuttings etc that easily root and grow. It's almost at the exit, just before the registers. I always fun some great rescues there.

Have fun and let us know how it goes! So fun!
Happy gardening and happy shopping!
Grant