March 9, 2009 -- Stockbridge, Massachusetts -- The Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, Massachusetts will hold the 32nd Annual Plant Sale on Friday May 8th from 10am-5pm and Saturday, May 9th from 9am-5pm with early buying Friday May 9th from 8am-10am free for members and with a $10 fee for non-members. Buyers will choose from thousands of plants, including many rare and unusual perennials, trees and shrubs and featuring tried-and-true classics. In celebration of the Garden's 75th Anniversary Season, a newly designed signature pot will be on sale for the first time. This commemorative flowerpot comes in 3 sizes and has been beautifully adorned with the Garden's own unique logo to mark this special occasion.

Experts from the Garden staff and knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to assist shoppers, answer questions and provide practical gardening advice about growing and caring for plants." The tried-and-true, classic, great-performing plant is the theme of this year's 75th Anniversary sale," says Dorthe Hviid, Director of Horticulture at the Garden. "These hard-working plants have stood the test of time and can withstand the often challenging growing conditions found in the Berkshires. These tough workhorses include: Leucanthemum, Agastache, Hydrangea paniculata, Calycanthus, Daylilys, Hosta, Iris, Geranium, Amelanchier, Cotinus, Clematis, and Viburnum. Combined in mixed borders, these tree and shrub shapes not only provide winter interest, they give permanent height, scale, and texture to traditional perennial beds."

Plant shoppers will again receive free garden designs featuring many of the plants that will be for sale. Designs are created by the Garden's horticultural staff and intended to inspire gardeners or used as a blueprint. This year's free, give-away designs include a shrub border for sun, a mixed border of shrubs and perennials, and a native plant border. Written planting and plant care instructions are also included for all the plants purchased in the sale.

"And don't forget a gift for Mother's Day," says Dorthe Hviid. "We're offering Gardens-in-a-Box, hanging baskets, pre-planted containers for sun and shade perfect for an entrance, patio, or garden room, as well as pre-planted pots of succulents, and mini lettuce and herb planters. These one-of-a-kind gifts are all priced very reasonably."

Select vendors will sell organically grown herbs and vegetables, native wetland plants, rustic garden furniture, metal garden decor and ornaments, hypertufa troughs and planters, and more. Top-quality compost direct from Holiday Farm (Dalton, MA) will be sold by the bag.

Old, new, and gently-used gardening books and cookbooks will be available. Don't forget to stop by the Garden's Gift Shop for the annual "Spring Cleaning Sale" with 25% to 50% savings on a wide selection of garden-related gifts, gear, and accessories.

Admission to the Garden and parking throughout the two-day event is free. Food and refreshments will be available. Garden members will enjoy a 10% discount on plant purchases; memberships may be purchased or renewed at the sale. For further information please call 413-298-3926.