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Succulent lovers rejoice! You and those looking to learn about succulents need to mark your calendars for the UC Marin Master Gardeners’ sale from 9 a.m. to noon June 11 at the historic Falkirk Cultural Center at 1408 Mission Ave. in San Rafael.

This year’s sale is bigger and better than ever. More than 1,500 plants in 4-inch and 1-, 2- and 5-gallon sizes will be available. One hundred varieties of succulents, including at least 20 varieties not offered in recent sales, await their new homes. Numerous hanging plant varieties will also be featured.

For those of you new to the joys of growing succulents, here are some of the wonderous benefits of this plant species.

Succulents come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny ground cover types like Lewisia cotyledon to tree size, such as Dracena Dancer. Many adapt to both full sun and mostly shady locations. Numerous varieties adapt to frost, while others may succumb to freezing temperatures. There are varieties that will thrive in your garden in most any locale.

Not only do succulents offer charming shapes and sizes, but they also provide an inviting habitat for insects and other pollinators essential to our food chain.

Apartment dweller? No garden space? No problem! Succulents thrive in containers. Everyone can enjoy a succulent garden, from a 4-inch container in a sunny window to a large makeover of a former water-hogging landscape.

Our roving advisors can help you select varieties suitable for your microclimate. Your garden can be filled with year-round blooms, both beautiful and nectar laden, providing nourishment for pollinators during critical seasons when gardens may be low on pollinator food.

Succulents can be tucked into stone wall crevices, provide an attractive border, or fill a large garden bed. Spring-flowering bulbs — freesias, daffodils, anemones and more — prefer a dry summer rest after their bloom time. Consider overplanting your bulb beds with succulents that like to be kept on the dry side.

An added attraction this year is container garden advice by our popular designer Gail Mason. She has been instrumental in designing and maintaining the succulent demonstration garden at Falkirk. She is also a creative designer of containers, and this year she will share her techniques, leading two demonstrations, at 10 and 11 a.m.

Using plants from the sale and a selection of containers, Mason will discuss incorporating a variety of succulent shapes, sizes, textures and colors to best fill your chosen vessel. She will demonstrate how to plant and care for a newly established container. Important preparation instructions will include soil requirements, maintenance, and proper light and water needs.

No time to get creative? Not to worry, a selection of Mason’s artistic potted container gardens will be available for sale but will no doubt go fast.

All plants for sale have been propagated by volunteers here in Marin County. There are no added transportation charges, and no climate shock as plants are not trucked in from outside our community.  All proceeds from this annual plant sale provide support for the demonstration gardens at Falkirk.

Cash and checks will be accepted for payment. No credit cards. The sale will be in the rear parking lot. Carefully observe parking signs in the area.

More information, including a full list of plants offered at the sale and two short videos entitled “Getting to Know Succulents” and “Potting Succulents,” are available at marinmg.ucanr.edu/ASK_US/EVENTS/SucculentSale. Check these out before sale time to be fully informed and ready to shop.

Doors open at 9 a.m. Come early, find inspiration in the well-marked Falkirk demonstration gardens, meet succulent specialists and explore the vast world of succulents.

Your UC Marin County Master Gardeners are looking forward to greeting you.

Sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension, the University of California Marin Master Gardeners provide science- and research-based information for home gardeners. Email questions to helpdesk@marinmg.org. Attach photos for inquiries about plant pests or diseases. The office is closed for drop-in visits. Subscribe to the Leaflet, UC Marin Master Gardener’s free quarterly e-newsletter, at marinmg.ucanr.edu

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