Erica Browne Grivas April 17, 2015 7:43am

Stop the car! Buy-able plants Image, Erica Grivas

A neon green haze is spreading over Green Lake’s trees and miniature daisies are colonizing the grass, but that’s not all sprouting this time of year – it’s Plant Sale time!  For gardeners of all levels, it’s a critical moment – where plant nerds and bargain hunters seek new prizes to bolster their garden this season.
To help plot your attack strategy, here are some of the best in and around Green Lake this weekend and next:

This weekend:
Superfluity Plant, Collectible and Rummage Sale
Friday, April 17, 9:30am-6pm, Saturday, April 18, 9:30am-1pm
Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 16th Ave. NE
This is a rummage sale benefiting local charities which also has plants – many from avid home gardeners, some donated by nurseries.  In the past I have found a great selection of tomato starts, a wide selection of perennials, and even a few choice shrubs/trees.
The scoop: Good prices, nice selection

Children’s Hospital 91st Annual Garden Sale
Sunday, April 19, 10am – 2pm
Seattle Children’s Administrative Building, 6901 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
“Perennials, annuals, shrubs & trees – many propagated on hospital grounds. Groundskeepers will be on hand to provide expert advice.”
The scoop: Not the least expensive, but nice choices.

Northwest Perennial Alliance Spring Plant Sale
Sunday April 19, 9am-3pm
North Seattle Community College, 9600 College Way N
“Our biggest sale of the year features thousands of plants from specialty nurseries, our famous NPA Border and members’ gardens. ”
The scoop: Free parking, weatherproof indoor shopping and a fantastic selection from professionals and collectors.

Hardy Plant Society of Washington Spring Plant Sale
Sunday,  April 19, 10am – 2pm
Center for Urban Horticulture, NHS Hall, 3
501 NE 41st St, Seattle
“Hardy plants & choice treasures from members’ gardens at great prices. Plant experts on hand. ”
The scoop: Good stuff from knowledgeable folks

Next Weekend:
Olympic View Elementary Plant Sale
Friday, April 24, 9am – 7pm, and Saturday April 25, 9am-7pm
Olympic View Elementary east parking lot, 504 NE 95th St, Seattle
A wide assortment of vegetables, blooming annuals, perennials, herbs & garden art. All proceeds benefit the school’s students.”
The scoop: Nice selection. Go Friday for the best selection, or late Saturday for the negotiable bargains.

Arboretum Foundation FlorAbundance Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, April 25, 9am – 5pm, Sunday April 26, 10am-2
Warren G. Magnuson Park Building 30
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
“Dozens of top specialty nurseries & vendors selling a wide selection of choice, locally-grown plants.”
The scoop: Huge. Go caffeinated, bring a wagon if you have one.

Trilliums showing off at (I think ) last year’s FlorAbundance sale Image, Erica Grivas

Seattle-Luoyang Peony & Bamboo Festival & Plant Sale
Sunday, April 26, 10am – 4pm
Seattle Chinese Garden, 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle
Suggested donation: $5/adults. A double festival of Chinese horticulture with plant displays, plant sales, demonstrations, lectures, arts & crafts sales & entertainment.” For more info see Bamboo Festival
The scoop: new to us, but sounds awesome!