The 15th Annual Fall Searle Brothers Plant Extravaganza! -●●●- October 4th, 5th, 6th - 11th, 12th, 13th 2013 -●●- S. Florida

[Palmarum]

Searle Brothers Nursery, Inc. &

The Rainforest Collection ^®

presents...

The 15th Annual Fall Plant Extravaganza!

October 4th, 5th, 6th,

11th, 12th, & 13th

2013

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The summer was here a minute ago. I could have sworn it was, but it seemed to vanish in a hurry, right when I thought I had enough time to pot up everything before fall came knocking at the door. At least in South Florida, growing weather continues for a while, a long while. Preparations for this years fall Extravaganza first started about three weeks ago, and like clockwork, all the gears start spinning up in order. Plants, signs, layouts, from the smallest group of plants to be tagged to the large cases of BBQ food, it all gets into the heads of everyone involved. We go over notes both real and mental, to determine what to change, what details to improve on, what things are fine as is, etc. It is always a worth-while challenge to find ways to make the 'Ganza a better event.

The spring and fall Searle Brothers Plant Extravaganzas have become a great way for IPS Members, Palmtalk Forum Members and fellow tropical palm & plant enthusiasts to come together and meet in the South Florida area. The events have always been a great way to spend a weekend in the company of those who share your passion for gardening and collecting tropical ornamental plants. To describe the events as just mere plant sales would be an understatement; as they have become much more in the form of social events for our friends and family. Forum members, friends and fellow plant collectors have all come from far and wide to attend and we are continuously surprised in the distances they will cover to share in the event. In regards to the following details, I have tried to include as much information about the upcoming Fall Extravaganza as I can. If you see something that you need to know that is missing and should be added, please post the idea(s) here or contact me, Jeff Searle or the nursery with the methods listed below and let us know...

South Florida Location:

Searle Brothers Nursery, Inc.

6640 SW 172nd Avenue

Southwest Ranches, Florida 33331

Western Broward County

*see Map below...

Fall 2013 Schedule:

Friday, October 4th - 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Saturday, October 5th - 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Sunday, October 6th - 9:00AM - 4:00PM

also the following weekend...

Friday, October 11th - 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Saturday, October 12th - 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Sunday, October 13th - 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Barbecue Lunch:

Our Famous Weekend Free BBQ Lunch

First Weekend: (Saturday 11:00AM - 2:00PM) & (Sunday, 11:00AM - 2:00PM)

Contact List:

Nursery Office #: (954) 434-7681

Nursery Fax #: (954) 680-2750

Nursery Website: http://www.rainforestcollection.com'>www.rainforestcollection.com

Nursery Email: Searlebrothersnursery@yahoo.com

Jeff Searle #: (954) 658-4317 Email:palms@rainforestcollection.com
Private Message: http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?app=members&module=messaging&section=send&do=form&fromMemberID=23'>PM Jeff Searle

Ryan (Palmarum) Email:palmthetree@yahoo.com

Directions:

This is a general street map of western Broward County, Florida showing the location of the nursery (Palm tree symbol). Using Sheridan Street would be the best option to get to the nursery if you are heading west through the county. If you are taking the Florida Turnpike, use the Griffin Road exit from the north, or the Pines Blvd. exit from the south. If you need any additional directions, please contact the nursery, Jeff or I (Ryan). When you get close to the nursery, look for large power lines as they run east and west above the nursery. Parking is along the shoulder of 172nd Avenue in front of, and down the street from, the nursery entrance. If you intend to arrive early before sunrise (and many usually do) be wary of hard-to-see speed bumps along 172nd Avenue and there is a possibility of a speed trap as well.

Plant Availability, Photo Requests:

For plant availability including a copy of the ever-growing list of palms, cycads and other information regarding which plants and species will be for sale, please contact the nursery, Jeff Searle or I (Ryan). The plant selection process has already begun and will continue right up to the last day before the Extravaganza, (sometimes even on the mornings of the event if the need applies.) The sale lists for palms, cycads and crotons will be made available as soon as they are completed. Special selections might be pulled for sale as requests, but only if the plants are available. There will be certain species, varieties and cultivars that will only be available in limited quantities. These rarer plants will likely sell out quickly in the morning hours, so be sure to arrange your wish list accordingly. Plant groups may have been moved around the sales area, relocated, or added in with others. In order to speed your way to your favorite plants please ask a nearby volunteer as to their location.

Like with previous events, I will be able to provide preview photos of the actual plants for sale. They will be posted in this topic for those who are interested. Send me a message or an email with the names of the plants you would like to see, including members of specific groups or genera. Sale booklets or sale lists will be made available at the Extravaganza. They will include the list of palms, cycads and crotons for sale. Holders located at both entrances to the main shade house will have the booklets on display along with other important information. As soon as I have a basic list of species and varieties for sale, I will be able to email or PM it to anyone who would want a copy. Each plant will be priced with either a lavender tag or will have the price written on the pot.

Featured Plant Groups:

The plant selection at the Extravaganza is constantly growing and changing. The largest and most diverse group is by far the Palms, of which there will be over 300 species available in various different sizes. The Fall is also the peak time for crotons as the summer months are the ideal time for production. Jeff's brother Larry is in charge of the large display of Bromeliads featured near the front of the sales area. He endeavors in an never ending quest to find and grow the most interesting and durable varieties.

Palms:

Aroids:

Bamboo:

Bromeliads:

Cycads:

Crotons:

Cordylines:

Ferns:

Fruit Trees:

Heliconias and Gingers:

Orchids:

Tropical Flowering Trees and Shrubs:

Landscape Ornamentals:

Rare and Hard-to-find Exotics:

and more: There is always a chance a new & exotic species of tropical plant will make its way into the sales area.

The Sale Flyer:

The nursery will soon mail out sale flyers to everyone on our mailing list. If you are on the mailing list and do not receive one, please let Jeff or myself know. In addition, if you would like to be placed on the mailing list for future Extravaganza flyers, please send a message to me with your address.

Plant Carts:

We do provide a limited amount of carts for customers to use, but it is recommended that you bring your own plant shopping conveyance. The carts do go quickly in the morning of each day, soon after the gates open, as customers make their way to the sales area. During the day when they are returned from the holding area or the parking lot, they are placed back on the concrete pad across from the register area.

Accommodations:

A comfortable Hampton Inn is located within a short driving distance of the nursery. It has been used by our customers, volunteers and family members in the past who travel a long way to reach the Extravaganza and who require a nice place to stay. The Hampton Inn Pembroke Pines/Ft. Lauderdale West is located at the intersection of I-75 and Sheridan Street. (see map above...) If you like to inquire about the hotel, follow the link below:

Link: http://www.hamptoninnpembrokepines.com/'>Hampton Inn Pembroke Pines

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Previous Extravaganza:

The last 'Ganza of this year was held back in March where falling temperatures surprised everyone on the first morning. The event had interesting new plants and customers donned in warm apparel turned out in mass to attend. To experience or revisit the spring sale in topic form, follow the link below.

15th Annual Spring Extravaganza - Full Topic

Link: http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/36149-spring-2013-ganza-cool-palms-brisk-weather-planting-fervor/#entry566880

Information and Invitation:

If you need any more details regarding plants, directions, or anything that I have not included above, feel free to contact the nursery, Jeff Searle or myself by the methods mentioned above. Feel free to post any messages, questions, etc. in this topic. Jeff Searle, I and all the family members and volunteers look forward to meeting everyone including new and familiar Palmtalk Forum members and IPS members at the upcoming Extravaganza. Be sure to find one of us and introduce yourself. You will be sure to find other Forum members at the event as well, possibly walking right past you down an aisle or grabbing for the same plant. The entire Searle family and the masses of volunteers will be waiting to help you find that perfect plant.

We hope to see you there!

Ryan

[George Sparkman]

It's going to be another good one !

I would sure like to be there.

[Palmarum]

A few random photos to add to the topic, taken during the last Spring Extravaganza back in March. The layout of the sales area will be the same as far as I know, as of this time. Certain layout ideas are still being worked out. The plant lists for Palms, Cycads and Crotons are being compiled and I will have them ready for inspection as soon as I have them processed.

Ryan

[Palmarum]

Ryan

[Palmarum]

Ryan

[Palmarum]

A two-week to sale notice and update: as of today, I got the first drafts of the plant lists and have started processing them. I got the palm/cycad list and it looks extensive as always and the croton list will be a record breaker for sure. I will post a notice when I have them ready for posting and emailing/messaging. I got a temp list going now as to who wanted a copy as soon as I got it ready, so let me know if you want to be on the list.

- The sales area is in a constant state of flux as everything is being moved around, cleaned, reorganized, etc. so the only place that looks mostly ready is the main shadehouse. Before I left the nursery, I took a quick set of photos inside the shadehouse and down the sidewalk. They show the palms and a few other plants that line the sidewalk and represent about 80% of the total plants that will be here. The others still have not yet been pulled and/or relocated. As many may know, this is an ongoing process that seems to continue up to the first sale day.

- The white tent, or the 'casa de blanco' is up and ready. The hub of the hubbubs and den of the denizens during the sale. I'm still tempted to add curtains and velvet ropes around it one year, and add a hottub to the inside just for the fun of it. After doing that, I don't think certain people would ever leave.

Ryan

[Palmarum]

- I have a few early ideas for individual and group photos, but did not have the time to take them today but I will get them. If you have any more requests, keep sending them in.

Ryan

[Palmarum]

The plant lists are being processed and I have finished a first draft of the Croton list as of this morning. The Palm and Cycad list is much larger and I will have a draft of it available as soon as I have it ready.

I am posting the lists over at Palmpedia to accelerate the process of getting the info out to those who want it 'asap'. Follow the link below to the topic:

Link: http://www.palmpedia.net/forum/showthread.php?3930-15th-Annual-Fall-Searle-Brothers-Plant-Extravaganza-Oct-2013-Plant-Lists

If you want any of the lists sent to you let me know. I have begun sending the croton list out to those who have already asked for it.

Ryan

[gerardv]

Do you have Copernecia curbeloi for sale? If so, may I pay in advance to reserve it and pick it up at the sale? Thanks

[Palmarum]

Do you have Copernecia curbeloi for sale? If so, may I pay in advance to reserve it and pick it up at the sale? Thanks

I got the first draft of the palm and cycad list completed and C. curbeloi is so far a maybe for this fall 'Ganza. The list is 80% complete and that species has not been selected to this point, but it may as the week goes on. It resides out in a full sun section, and plants out in those areas are among the last to be pulled. We discourage customers from attempting to reserve plants before the sale opens as it would be chaotic to keep track of it all, and mostly it would be unfair to those who get in line early in the morning.

I am posting a quick copy of the Palm & Cycad list over at Palmpedia for those who want to gander. Scroll down past the earlier posts to find it:

Link:http://www.palmpedia.net/forum/showthread.php?3930-15th-Annual-Fall-Searle-Brothers-Plant-Extravaganza-Oct-2013-Plant-Lists

I am also sending copies out to those who have asked for it before hand. If you would like one, send me a PM.

Ryan

[Palmarum]

Today, I took a few photos that people wanted to see, that I have ready to post and also an update to the palm and cycad list over at Palmpedia. As of today, a few more species made the list. The additions are on the same topic mentioned above, just scroll down to the newer posts.

- The sales area is in the process of being filled with plants. It is a carefully executed procedure well practiced and planned out. Some plants are placed in order of how easy they are to pull and how much light they can handle at their temporary location. The full sun, landscape palm section was in the middle of getting filled.

- The protective Royal Poinciana that shelters the holding area and this stretch of the main road has gotten quite dense. It blocks out a lot of the available light making photography tricky.

- The landscape section receiving block after block of ornamental plants.

Ryan

[Palmarum]

- Not a plant for sale, but an interesting subject nonetheless. I was taking photos nearby when I noticed how well this Mealy Bug Palm, Dypsis mananjarensis was doing, so I took a few shots. This palm was growing in decent shade and was planted right out in full sun a few months ago without missing a beat. It was planted under the idea that it is something "Bill Sanford would have done".

- Trimming the area around the Bromeliad section in preparation for receiving plants.

- Another view of the landscape palm section.

- The tropical foliage section just inside the shadehouse. Still a work in progress.

Ryan

[Palmarum]

- The Croton section in all its glory, filled to the max with currently 216 different cultivars.

- Chamaedorea elegans var. 'Negrita', Black Dwarf Parlor Palm - 3 gal. $35.00

- The photo doesn't do the color justice, it really is dark, almost black-green.

Ryan

[Palmarum]

- Archontophoenix purpurea, Mt. Lewis King Palm - 10 gal. $150.00

- A little fuzzy, but an up close view of the crownshaft.

- Dypsis mananjarensis, Mealy Bug Palm - 7 gal. $750.00

Ryan

[Palmarum]

- Pelagodoxa henryana - 25 gal. $650.00 - 7 gal. $350.00 - 3 gal. $100.00 - The 25 gallon represents a specimen size the nursery has not had in a long time. I call it the 'instant gratification' size.

- Kentiopsis oliviformis - 10 gal. $135.00 - 3 gal. $35.00

Ryan

[Palmarum]

- Cyrtostachys sp. 'Hybrid' - 10 gal. $750.00 - 7 gal. $350.00 - 3 gal. $125.00

- A portrait of the lone 10 gallon plant available. I need to come up with a better name for this palm...

- I had a few ideas but nothing quite stood out. I am sure the inspiration will come from staring at the crownshaft.

Ryan

[Palmarum]

- Licuala grandis - 10 gal. $175.00 - 7 gal. $85.00 - 3 gal. $45.00 - 1 gal. $15.00

- That was all the requested photos for now, but I am sure I will get more. The last photo from the day shows Jeff Searle on the left directing the placement of the landscape plants just before lunch time.

Ryan

[BS Man about Palms]

- Not a plant for sale, but an interesting subject nonetheless. I was taking photos nearby when I noticed how well this Mealy Bug Palm, Dypsis mananjarensis was doing, so I took a few shots. This palm was growing in decent shade and was planted right out in full sun a few months ago without missing a beat. It was planted under the idea that it is something "Bill Sanford would have done".

Its hard to argue with my Dypsis expertise...

[Jeff Searle]

For any of the locals living in the Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties, we ran an ad in both the Miami Herald's Home and Design section and the SunSentinel's Lifestyle section in todays newspaper featuring our up coming plant sale. Written like an article, it explains a little about the sale and what were selling. Hope to see many of you there!!!

[Moose]

- The Croton section in all its glory, filled to the max with currently 216 different cultivars.

- Chamaedorea elegans var. 'Negrita', Black Dwarf Parlor Palm - 3 gal. $35.00

- The photo doesn't do the color justice, it really is dark, almost black-green.

Ryan

Dang - look at all those crotons! There got to be at least 2,000+ plants there

[rick]

Does the palm and cycad list include the small stuff on the tables or is that another list?

[Palmarum]

Hi rick,

The Palm and Cycad list includes everything at the sale, regardless of where the plant may be located. I try to include everything, from the most common landscape species that are in blocks out by the main road, to the rarest of the rare that resides on the very front table. The tables are still being organized and loaded with plants. I will try to get some general photos of the tables when they are finished. I have a few more names to add to the list as of today, I will post them over at Palmpedia when I have them organized at my end.

Ryan

Does the palm and cycad list include the small stuff on the tables or is that another list?

[Palmarum]

I have posted a few new additions to the Palm & Cycad list over at Palmpedia. It brings the list to about 306 species and more size groups.

Link: http://www.palmpedia.net/forum/showthread.php?3930-15th-Annual-Fall-Searle-Brothers-Plant-Extravaganza-Oct-2013-Plant-Lists

Scroll down to the last post to see the additions.

Ryan

[tikitiki]

Sorry I'm going to miss it. Work has been crazy. Today is the first time I've logged on since march. Hope to see y'all in the spring. Good luck at the sale.

[George Sparkman]

Have a great sale Jeff !

[Jeff Searle]

Thanks everyone! We are having a great time, I mean come on, were talking and selling palms to people that are enjoying the same interest as us. I've seen so many people that have been coming for many years and talking about how well their palms are doing and how big their getting. The weather has been beautiful.

[Cape Garrett]

Should be going this Friday. Looking forward to it..

Garrett

[Palmarum]

Update:

It is the Wednesday between the two weekends and everything is on schedule for another busy three days. For each section where it is possible, plants are being restocked, tagged and labeled. Some sections were hit hard and restocking has been difficult. Some areas have been condensed and moved in with others, certain sections have been moved completely to fill areas closer to where the side road and main road meet. The palm and cycad selection has been reduced, but there are still some surprises hidden along the sidewalk. The crotons were hit especially hard, but certain cultivars were able to be restocked. Certain other groups sold out but the sales area still has plenty of material left.

A few photos from the first weekend showing the action:

- One of the aroid tables showing what they used to look like, early on Friday morning, 7:43AM. They went fast. If all the remaining aroids were gathered from all over the shadehouse they might fill one table to this amount.

- Friday, 8:16AM - In the midst of the Croton mania... people grab plants, talk yards, debate identities, etc.

- Friday, 10:04AM - Palm enthusiasm was the focus of many and it continued throughout the morning and afternoon. Andrea Searle helps volunteer Tim O'Donnell take out a customer's group of palms.

- Saturday, 1:37PM - A busy moment in the afternoon hours of the second day. Carts and trailers get in line by the holding area. The large palm in the center of the trailer is a Hydriastele kasesa.

A sample of what is to be seen in the regular topic after the second weekend has concluded. I have some photo requests to take so I will have them and some other prior-sale photos to post. They will have a more current look as to what plants are left in the sales area.

Ryan

[Hilo Jason]

Thanks Ryan! Great job as always

[Palmarum]

The sales area received one of its last finishing sessions today, rough edges smoothed out, plants tagged and positioned. There will likely be more to do in the morning. Like with previous second weekends, the attendance is unpredictable and we are set with a skeleton crew. We should be able to handle most any situation, with a little extra patience. The weather should be phenomenal, as the humidity is down and there is almost no chance of rain. It will be interesting to see who attends the sale.

I took a few photos today, including a few requested images of plants:

- Zamia neurophyllidia - 7 gal. - $375.00 - An old plant, with the rings to prove it.

- Looking down into the crown...

- Holding one of the leaflets...

- Petioles and leaf bases with a 2 inch (5cm) binder clip for scale...

Ryan

[Palmarum]

- Zamia skinneri - 3 gal. $400.00 - A Zamia with style.

- Describing the leaflets as thick would be an understatement. It would be nice if this was one of the red emergent forms, which I think are called Z. imperialis now, but those shiny, bright green leaflets are just as good.

- Same familiar 2 inch (5cm) binder clip for scale, showing the petiole bases leading to the short stem.

Ryan

[Palmarum]

- A few photos showing the side road, as it waits for customers on the second weekend. That is Randy coming on the golf cart.

- The main entrance to the shadehouse. Something smacked the pole holding up the sign last weekend, causing it to drop a little bit.

- If something could not be restocked, other plants were just spaced out more to fill the gap.

- The landscaped Beccariophoenix alfredii grows ever larger, sale after sale. I will get a post asking for a photo of this palm, but it has not been posted yet. Yes, I do know the signs are backwards. It is to protect them from fading during the week.

Ryan

[Palmarum]

- Remember earlier in this topic when I posted the photo of the planted Mealy Bug Palm? It had a new leaf spear coming out. Well this is a photo of the same palm, seen today, with the leaf spear fully open. It was taken 12 days after the last photo posted earlier. This palm does not waste time.

- Landscape ornamental section...

- The Bromeliad section. The sprinklers were about to come on in another nearby section so I had to move to get ahead of them, so this is the last photo taken today. Everything is ready to go. If you come by the sale this weekend, say hello to Jeff or myself.

Ryan

[George Sparkman]

Ryan,

Thanks for posting all the great pictures.

[BS Man about Palms]

Someday I will get down for the fall sale...

[Tassie_Troy1971]

- Archontophoenix purpurea, Mt. Lewis King Palm - 10 gal. $150.00

- A little fuzzy, but an up close view of the crownshaft.

- Dypsis mananjarensis, Mealy Bug Palm - 7 gal. $750.00

Ryan

amazing palm - those Felco priuners need some wd 40 spray !

[Jeff Searle]

Whew, the sale is over! Once again, the sale was not only a lot of work, but very fun, especially talking to all the palm forum members and so many people that have been repeat customers for so long. It was a huge success, especially in these times, so a big thank you to all of you that came out and supported us. We do appreciate it!

Jeff & Andrea

[Mandrew968]

Man! I have been looking for a negrita for a while now--they look great Jeff.

[doranakandawatta]

My God,

I am glad Florida is far enough, otherwise I would have to destroy my credit card!

So many beautiful pictures of so many beautiful species!

I am jealous since I have to wait for my seedlings to grow!

You must have had fun!

BTW:Which species is that?

Many thanks,

Philippe

[Palmarum]

BTW:Which species is that?

Many thanks,

Philippe

Hi Philippe,

There are a few different plants in that photo, but if your referring to the variegated plant in the foreground, it is called Charlie - Stromanthe, Stromanthe stromanthoides x 'Charlie'. It is a great plant for the landscape and was introduced earlier in the year at the TPIE plant convention. It is named after Charlie McDaniel, a local legend in the world of horticulture who owned the original plant.

Ryan