At the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden seasonal plant sales, not only do we offer the area’s largest selection of attractive, low-water, easy-care, region-appropriate plants including lots of Arboretum All-Stars and California natives, we strive to answer your questions and ensure that you meet your shopping goals. Here are some tips our experienced shoppers already know, but our newer customers may not.

1. Receive a discount. Become a member and receive 10% off your plant sale purchases. New members also get a $10 off coupon. Other membership benefits include access to members-only plant sales, free or discounted entry to other gardens, discounts at our partner nurseries, and more. LEARN MORE.
2. Parking. Don't worry! There is typically plenty of parking close by the nursery. In addition, as you arrive, you will find signs directing you to the best lots and parking attendants. Follow their advice. They will direct you to a premium parking location.
3. Line your trunk. Get ready to take plants home by protecting your trunk with newspaper or a liner so any dirt that spills out of your pots is a breeze to clean.
4. Bring a wagon or box. As you will see below, we do have a good supply of carts for our customers, but there may be a waiting list. If you've got your own you can start shopping sooner!
5. Grab a cart. If you didn’t bring your own cart, use one of ours! If there are no carts available put your name on the wait list. Listen for your name to be called over the PA while you shop.
6. Leave anxious pups at home. While we do allow dogs in the nursery, it's important to understand that the nursery gets busy. If your pet doesn't do well around crowds, other dogs or large rolling objects, it's better for everyone if they stay comfortable at home.
7. Look for orange. Sales help can be found in orange aprons.
8. Seek expert advice. “Arboretum Experts” are located in the front of our large center aisle. You can also find representatives from our partner nurseries and more.
9. Check out our inventory. Download our online inventory or you can find copies at our “Arboretum Expert” and “Arboretum Resource” tables in the center aisle. LEARN MORE.
10. Know your type. Looking for perennials, trees, vines, shrubs, succulents, grasses, bulbs, shade plants, California natives, or California natives for shade? The nursery is organized by category and signs can be found on the end caps of each aisle.
11. NEW!! Download our nursery map. Like other retail stores, our layout changes depending on the season and our inventory. Know where to go to get the plants you need. DOWNLOAD our seasonally updated nursery map.
12. Find inspiration. Peruse our gardens and collections for ideas. Many of the plants (or similar varieties) will be available at our plant sales. 
13. Plant by numbers. Use one of the plans we’ve put together to get your California native, low-maintenance or wildlife-friendly garden started. These plans can be found here. Most of these plants will be available at our sales, if not we can direct you to a good substitute.

LEARN MORE on our Plant Sale page!