By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Plant sales are great – unless you find out about them after they’re over. Some of the most special plants you’ll ever find are at the sales of area arboretums and plant societies, because they propagate unique plants and source unusual cultivars of plants they know and love.

Plant sales are where you’ll find those specimen trees and shrubs that become garden centerpieces, perennials in unusual colors and native plants – which seem like they should be abundant have become so crowded out by aliens in our landscapes and garden centers, that many are hard to come by! But you’ll find lots of native plants at sales this spring, along with smart gardeners and volunteers happy to answer your questions about what’s best for your garden.

To make sure you don’t miss this spring’s plant sales, get your free Spring Plant Sale Guide from Greater Philadelphia Gardens at GreaterPhiladelphiaGardens.org with dates, details, and directions to map your way so you won’t miss plant sales happening on the same day.