Steals & Deals
Earlier this week, Cactus Jungle sent out an email blast "STORE IS CLOSING". Everything is 40% off, including plants, fixtures, rare plants -everything except their soils. I hate to see it go, it was always a must stop when I make the Berkeley nursery circuit. I didn't want to wait, but of course everything is better with fellow plants enthusiasts. So Saturday morning, I was off to Berkeley to get Sophia & Ivan. *Cute orchid blooming @ their house.
There were way less parking spots available than usual, we parked a block away & rushed in. It was fairly busy, I was happy to see lots of inventory still available.
And everything was 40% off as promised. They have another store in Marin that will remain up & running. Their lease was not renewed in Berkeley.
I hope that couple found a plant to take home.
I promised myself when I left home, "not buying anything unless it's super cool". ...Oh, hello?! 
doing a lap around the target, just for fun.
Would you have nabbed any of these?
Tetrapanax looking pretty.
I scooped him up for a quick cuddle, he was tiny and irresistible.
And off to Berkeley Hort where we met another cat, lol. He had instructions on his collar, do not FEED.
I showed back up in Livermore with these guys.
I know, I know I have a lot of Aloe Hercules. But this pot had 2 for the price of 1 +PLUS 40% off.
And a Hakea I've not seen before, Hakea francisiana. The promised long bottle brush flower spikes did it for me.
Heres a better look at the rusty things. The base is easily removed.
About 6' tall, I believe I will flip this the other end up.
Which end up do you like? For a shallow bowl type pot OR
They will be fun to play around with for sure. And just over a hundred bucks for the three felt like a deal I couldn't pass up. They'd be more at Urban Ore, that's for sure. The parrot lady said Cactus Jungle was really cleaned out later in the morning, so I'm glad we got there early. And at least I didn't bring home another cat! We actually met more than I showed, but didn't want to bore you. Have a great week!
Next we visited The Dry Garden, as they had a sale going on as well. 20% off cactus/succulents. I didn't spend any $ in the greenhouse.
I even managed to keep my money in my pocket in the agave section.
Eureka! Cotula hispida, I knew Gerhard was on the lookout for some. A quick text confirmed it.
Ha ha ha, meow.
We decided to hit up all the regular stops, at Flowerland we met this Moluccan eclectus parrot.
From Cactus Jungle I grabbed Leucandendron 'Safari Goldstrike" the color is lovely - it's been pruned strangely, but the 40% off price made that easy to swallow.
as a narrow plant stand?
It's always hard to hear about a garden center/nursery closing but those close-out sales do take some of the sting out of the news. All good buys on your part from the look of things! You always make good use of your shopping trips.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it feels a bit callous that I didn't mention that. I am sad they are shifting down to one store. I was focused on blaming it on the landlord, but whatever the reason - it's not good for any of us.
DeleteOh, man, I have driven by that place loads! Looks like you found some great items. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you Bea, it's too bad it's closing. It was easy to find parking there and always a good spot to check out.
DeleteLots of cats in the shops. Signs of a good shop. Too bad they were going out of business, but at least you made some good scores.
ReplyDeleteAgree, I love a shop cat and these were all friendly little ones!
DeleteI would have grabbed the rusty plant decor! Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, now if I can do them justice :)
Delete"What a fantastic find! Getting all three for just over $100 sounds like an absolute steal—especially knowing they’d cost way more elsewhere. Smart move arriving early before Cactus Jungle got picked clean! And hey, major self-control points for resisting the urge to bring home another cat. 😆 Can’t wait to see how you put these treasures to use—happy creating (or playing)! 🛒✨
ReplyDeleteThis is probably the most fun that a gal like you could have. And there were cats too.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun Saturday !
DeleteYou cracked the deal! The expression of cat is priceless and yes, I would definitely picked the rustic decor, would have painted and used it.
ReplyDeleteThe peek-a-boo cat is hilarious!
Delete"just over a hundred bucks for the three"... what!? That's fabulous, of course you had to buy them all! I got that email too, I have such fond memories of shopping there, as well as all the other spots you hit.
ReplyDeleteYes, and Marin isn't as convenient to travel to. A real shame. I'll try styling at least one today, although I will probably need a couple tries before it's right.
DeleteYou did great. :-) I love that you got to see some sweet kitties too.
ReplyDeleteThe kitties were the cherry on top!
DeleteWhat a shame to lose their lease, but it gave me a good look at some of your local nurseries. So different from what we have-except cats. You would laugh at the succulent section in our local nurseries, but that’s part of the fun of traveling to different places. I would’ve loved to been there with you
ReplyDeleteBerkeley/Oakland are full of great nursery spots, it's a good thing it's a 45 minute drive. :)
DeleteI wish you could have.
This is such a pretty post. Hope you’re well.
ReplyDeleterkrsue.blogspot.com
Thank you,
DeleteWow, that Orchid is beautiful! It looks like a great sale and you got some great stuff. The kitties were cute, too. <3
ReplyDeleteWe were delighted to see so many cats. S & I have some amazing plants, their orchards are incredible!
DeleteI'd pay full price for that samll gray kitty.... OMG, so loveable! Though either one woudl make me happy.
ReplyDeleteAll your metal purcheses are great. My consideration for placement would be stability, especially that 6' tall one.
Chavli
Ha ha, he was such a nice little cat. Playful, but not using his claws. I have the same thoughts on stability. I've hammered in a couple 3' rebar and hoping that with a good dumping of rocks around the base should do it?
DeleteÈ sempre un peccato sapere che un vivaio di fiducia deve chiudere ma gli sconti di fine attività sono molto allettanti. Non so come hai fatto a non spendere nemmeno un centesimo nel reparto piante. Hai un ottimo autocontrollo! Mia moglie in quelle sezioni sarebbe diventata incontrollabile!
ReplyDeleteOttimi acquisti però! Ti auguro una buona estate e un buon lavoro in giardino.
Oh, ho comprato un po' di cose, ma mi sono trattenuta dall'esagerare! Questa volta. Spero che entrambi vi godiate il resto dell'estate e che anche voi facciate buon giardinaggio.
DeleteWhat a great-looking store. Sorry it's closing! Although, nice boon for you!
ReplyDeleteThe closure is sad, I'm glad that they still are up & operating in Marin.
DeleteWhat a great way to spend the day! It is sad that the nursery is closing, but at least you got to have a shopping adventure! It looks like you had a fun day visiting all the nurseries and getting to meet some kitties and a parrot too!
ReplyDeleteI really need to make one last trek to Cactus Jungle.
ReplyDeleteThank you for picking up that Cotula hispida!