Searle Brothers Nursery, Inc. &

The Rainforest Collection ®

presents...

The 17th Annual Fall Plant Extravaganza!

October 2nd, 3rd, 4th - 9th, 10th, 11th - 2015

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 'Ganza 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 2015 Schedule:
Friday, October 2nd - 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday, October 3rd - 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday, October 4th - 9:00AM - 4:00PM

also the following weekend...
Friday, October 9th - 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday, October 10th - 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday, October 11th - 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/

Jeff Searle: phone #: (954) 658-4317 Email: palms@rainforestcollection.com
Private Message - Jeff Searle: http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?app=members&module=messaging&section=send&do=form&fromMemberID=23
Ryan (Palmarum) Email: palmthetree@yahoo.com or PM me a message through the Forum

Directions:
Following the link below will show you 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 area. 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.

Map Link: http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n270/Palmerum/scan0004.jpg

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. A large amount of Crotons will also be on display as their demand has increased production to new levels.

Palms:
Aroids:
Bromeliads:
Cycads:
Crotons:
Cordylines:
Ferns:
Heliconias and Gingers:
Orchids:
Tropical Flowering Trees, Shrubs, and Vines:
Landscape Ornamentals:
Tropical Fruit Trees:

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 Jeff or myself 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 and customers make their way to the sales area. During the day when they are returned from the holding area or from 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 'Ganza and who require a comfortable 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:

Hampton Inn Pembroke Pines - Fort Lauderdale West
Link: http://www.hamptoninnpembrokepines.com/

Previous Extravaganza:
For a look back at the previous 'Ganza that took place in March of this year, follow the link below. It has a selection of posts and photos highlighting the key moments of the sale. The topic will also showcase many of the plants that may be available in October, as the selection changes from season to season.

The 17th Annual Spring 'Ganza
Link: http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/45177-the-spring-ganza-palm-life-in-the-ranches/

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

*Note - I know the Forum software is in the midst of being changed/overhauled/updated, I was hoping it would be done by now, so if anything happens to the topic I will update it if necessary.

New Forum test post.

 

 

Ryan

it seems we'll enjoy seeing new pictures and dream again… 

I have the first draft of the Palm and Cycad list...

-- processing --

Ryan

I need to visit your nursery someday Jeff

I need to visit your nursery someday Jeff

That would be great. We've had others from Cali and Arizona show up before.

Ryan will be posting the palm list very soon. Jim Glock and I were very busy this summer potting up and getting as many species ready as possible for this upcoming sale. One group of palms we dedicated a lot of time to was the palms of and around the Caribbean area. I hope for those of you that come, you will find what your looking for and if not, please ask.

I have finished processing the first draft of the Palm & Cycad list and I have posted it over at Palmpedia for those wanting to view:

Link: Post starting with the Palm & Cycad List

The list currently contains 353 species and is about 85% complete with more species possible over the next two weeks leading up to the sale. I will make changes to the list via that topic and will make a note here when I do. There are a few new species and some oldies, but goldies, that have not been around in a while. I have been sending copies of the list to those who have asked before hand and will continue to do so as the requests come in.

For those interested in the Croton list, it has been delayed a bit due to the incredible rainfall the nursery received during last week. When it is ready, I will post it over at Palmpedia.

Ryan

How about some prices? So we can see what things go for in Florida?

I have a few changes to the list posted over at Palmpedia (Tropiscape). I added them to the bottom of the sale topic:

Link to post:

Palmpedia Sale Topic Post #8 - List Changes

 

How about some prices? So we can see what things go for in Florida?

As for prices, you would need to be more specific as to which species and sizes you needed. The majority of plants are pulled, but they are still getting placed along with receiving their tags and prices. It will be easier to get prices as it gets closer to sale time, as everything will be tagged before the sale starts.

Ryan

 

I have the first draft of the Croton list available for viewing over at the Croton forum at Palmpedia (Tropiscape):

Link: Post starting with the Croton List

Ryan

 

Great lists! I wish I could make it!

 

 

 

- A quick photo of the gallons and small palms getting marshaled together for the tables.

Ryan

- Photos from Monday, show the tables almost completely ready for customers.

- A few of the requests, Veitchia winin - #1 - $3.00

- A view of the tables from the other direction, looking in from the side shadehouse entrance.

Ryan

- Veitchia arecina - #1 - $6.00

Ryan

- Pinanga caesia var. 'Red Form' - 7 gal. - $200.00 - This newly emergent leaf is just past the phase of deep red, but it is still quite colorful.

Ryan

- A quarter of the way through the main shadehouse, looking back towards the entrance...

- Turning around, looking in the opposite direction...

Ryan

- Phoenicophorium borsignianum - 7 gal. $200.00 - ...

- 1 gal. $45.00

Ryan

- Another view, way down the sidewalk, looking back towards the intersection...

- Bentinckia condapanna - 3 gal. $50.00

- The entrance... at the moment. Plants are still being moved around so the look may change.

Ryan

Edited September 28, 201510 yr by Palmarum

- Hydriastele beguinii var. 'Obi Island Form' - 7 gal. $150.00...

- 1 gal. $35.00

Ryan

We found a few more to add to the list today. I posted them over at the mirrored topic at Palmpedia. I would place the current draft version of the list at 90% complete.

Link: Direct Link to Post #16

Ryan

- A few requested photos of the Croton section. It is packed.

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-

-

-

Ryan

- A sudden, spur-of-the-moment addition to the selection...

Sabinaria magnifica - 1 gal. $325.00 - A two-leaf seedling.

- Another view, showing the white undersides.

Ryan

Some good lookin plants there Ryan.

See you @8 am tomorrow.   Speed-walkin Croton-Crazies will be your first pic of the day.

Looks great! See you in the morning

Have a great sale Jeff !

Thanks, we have worked really hard this week and I'm excited with all the plant material. This is probably my biggest selection of plants ever offered. Jim and Judy Glock are cooking the usual Friday night special and enough to feed 40 people! With only a 10% chance of rain, were expecting a great turn out. Hope to see many of you this weekend, Ryan will certainly capture plenty of good moments.

Hi Jeff, I hope you are having a great sale weekend! Looking forward to all the photos that Ryan will post. One day soon I hope I can make it back out that way. 

I thought of you all last weekend and hope you had many palms now relocated to their lucky new owners!

Some day I'll show up again!

Hope you sell out completely for part two and I will also look forward to more great photos.

... Hope you sell out completely for part two...

The first weekend is completed and everyone has begun to get ready for the second. It was hectic and busy and we lucked out with incredible weather. The front moved through and gave us a Saturday and a Sunday with clear skies, cooler temps and lower humidity. It rained early Sunday morning for about twenty minutes which lightly watered everything and everyone. At the start of the sale on Friday morning, there were 374 palm & cycad species spread across over 450 size groups. Certain species completely sold out during the first weekend; some did not last longer than a few minutes on Friday morning. Specific sizes of palms were quite popular and they sold out, were restocked, and then they sold out again.

I have already answered messages and emails regarding the selection for the second weekend. If you are planning to attend the 'Ganza for the second half and have questions or inquiries regarding which species and sizes are still available, you can post them here or send me a message or email.

Ryan

I received a message via this topic concerning photos of the sale, so it reminded me to post a link to the main topic where I am posting:

Link: Main Extravaganza Topic

It is still a work in progress, but eventually all the photos will be located there.

Ryan