With spring in full swing, homeowners and plant lovers alike are eager to get a start on their gardening adventure. This past weekend, the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society (BCAHS) hosted its annual two-day Benefit Plant Sale. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., everyone, from gardening experts to new plant parents, was invited to explore the variety of plants available.

Saturday, May 31, signaled the first day of the sale. Cars lined up at the entrance to the arboretum before the sale even began, with shoppers hoping to get first pick of the 3,000 plants filling the Lower Carriage House. Some shoppers came all the way from New York City and the Hamptons.

Shoppers could choose from a variety of plants, including perennials, annuals, natives, herbs, vegetables, tropicals, shrubs, and trees. Plant Sale co-chairs Doreen Monteleone and Lin Schlyer began selecting plants in January and made a point of choosing ones that people typically don’t find at plant nurseries. While some plants were bought in bulk from wholesalers, many were donated.

Schlyer shared that among the plants, abelias were in high demand, selling 25 to 30 quickly. Abelias are known to thrive in New York climates, attract butterflies, require low maintenance, and can come in various sizes.

Enthusiastic master gardeners, such as BCAHS historian Tony LaScala, were ready to assist patrons with their plant selections. They answered questions such as: What plants are native, which plants thrive in the sun, and which plants would do well in less-than-ideal soil?

“We all love to talk to people,” LaScala said. “I mean, that’s part of being a master gardener. You’re supposed to educate; that’s the whole point.”

Despite being a BCAHS member for over 20 years, LaScala also learned new things about some of the plants this weekend.

Similarly, BCAHS president Marty Garbarino suggested native plants for those who might not have a green thumb. Not only are they low-maintenance, but they are also essential for the local environment.

In the past, they have sold close to $20,000 worth of plants in a single weekend, but their goal for this year is to net $10,000.

The funds from the plant sale and the gift shop located at the Manor House are allocated to several causes, including running educational programs, providing scholarships to students at Farmingdale for agricultural studies, and maintaining and updating structures within the arboretum.

“One of our main goals is to help support the arboretum that everybody knows and loves. It’s a state park, so, you know, the state does what it can—but it can’t do everything,” Monteleone shared.