We are replanting our garden pots, and craved some succulents, so we called and made an appointment at the Cal Poly Plant Shop. They are only open from 10am til 3pm on Thursday through Saturday right now, but you can go to their web site at polyplantshop and get ideas before you go in, then call to make your appointment. It's only two people at a time, and appointments are set up for each half hour.
We drove in from Highway 1, through the parking lots near the Engineering Buildings, then turned left and headed up toward the Agriculture Department. It is officially Building 48 at the end of Via Carta Road. On the way, we saw a flock of wild turkeys and a field of horses, so it was a fun animal spotting expedition that kids would enjoy. We pulled into the small parking lot and found out that we didn't have to pay to park, then ambled in.
We were immediately greeted by a very personable student, who showed us the wide array of potted succulents, and clearly explained pricing. We put our selections in a cardboard tray given us by the student workers, and wandered around, gazing at some varieties we had never seen before.
There are tiny pots for $3, small pots for $5, and an assortment of larger pots for $10-14. We wanted to fill a large bronze colored planter box with a big range of plants, and looked for unusual specimens.
I liked the pinkish ones, and also chose some stripey plants that I had not seen elsewhere.
My total for eight plants was $40. and the best part was that it benefits Cal Poly and their "Learn by Doing" Nursery Shop. The lovely worker even added a bouquet of flowers for my Mom! read more