What to know about Big Bloom plant sale at South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

A popular event of the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is back.

The Big Bloom Mega Plant Sale & Garden Festival is set for Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 8545 S. Staples St.

The event offers $2 Community Day admission thanks to presenting sponsor Corpus Christi Medical Center.

Shoppers are advised to bring a plant cart. Members enter free and can shop early at 9 a.m.

Members are advised to check expiration dates and renew before the sale. They can do so online at www.stxbot.org or at the Visitors Center, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Parking is free.

Things to do

The springtime family-friendly event and fundraiser drew 5,000 shoppers last year. The event offers an abundance of colorful plants for sale, a garden full of entertaining “eco-fun,” food trucks, kids’ zone and on-your-own tours of the botanical gardens, including the Orchid & Bromeliad Conservatories, trails and wetlands.

Included in admission are:

• Reptile Shows at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Animal Events Tent

• Parrot Presentation at 1 p.m., Animal Events Tent

• Ladybug Releases at 11:30 a.m. (Hummingbird Garden), 1:30 p.m. (Sensory Garden) and 3:30 p.m. (Rose Garden)

• Butterfly Releases at noon and 3 p.m., Butterfly House

The Easter Bunny hops in about 2 p.m. Food trucks are on site 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What kinds of plants will be for sale?

Hundreds of plant varieties ordered from Texas wholesalers include Xeriscape (water-wise), natives and other durable blooming landscape choices, plus tropicals like hibiscus and bougainvillea.

Orchids are coming from Hawaii and Florida, plus blooming propagations from the Samuel Jones Orchid Conservatory collections. Plumeria from Plumeria Society of South Texas growers are big hits.

What about vendors?

Vendors will offer more plants, yard and patio décor. Nature’s Boutique in the Visitors Center will be open.

Vendors may apply at 361-852-2100.

What should I know about traffic?

Due to past vehicle back-ups, Nueces County sheriff’s patrol cars will direct all traffic to the signal light at the intersection of Country Creek Drive and Staples Street, and then down South Oso Parkway to the Botanical Gardens back gate. The exit will be the same route.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center to hold Big Bloom sale