The arboretum’s first plant sale of 2009 is just around the corner, and the sale is a big one. It is the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum annual Member Appreciation Plant Sale, featuring refreshments, children’s activities and live music.

Admission is free to this members-only sale.

If you are not a member, just sign up and pay at the gate. Membership fees: student $15, individual $40, family-household $60. Every new member receives a free plant and the 10 percent member discount on purchases.

Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 14 at the Arboretum Teaching Nursery on Garrod Drive south of La Rue Road (this is the new nursery; it is just beyond the Unitrans bus yard and across from the School of Veterinary Medicine). Parking is free.

MORE AT THE ARBORETUM

Folk Music Jams — Play or listen. Noon March 6 and 20. Wyatt Deck, adjacent to the redwood grove, Old Davis Road. Parking $6 in Lot 5, Old Davis Road and A Street.

Tour — What’s in Bloom? 11 a.m. March 7, gazebo, Garrod Drive south of La Rue Road. Free parking along Garrod Drive and in Lot 55.

Walk With Warren — With Warren Roberts, arboretum superintendent. Noon March 11, arboretum headquarters, La Rue Road west of California Avenue. Parking $6 in Lot 46.

Tour — Spring in the California Native Plant Garden. 11 a.m. March 14, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center, Old Davis Road. Free parking in Lots 1 and 2, and the south entry garage, south of the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

Bus trip — San Francisco Flower & Garden Show: “Sustainable Spaces, Beautiful Places.,” 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. March 18. $55, or $45 for members of Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum; price includes transportation and admission. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring a bag lunch or eat at the cafe. Advance registration required: (530) 752-4880 or arboretum.ucdavis.edu.

Tour — All About Oaks. 2 p.m. March 22, gazebo, Garrod Drive south of La Rue Road. Free parking along Garrod Drive and in Lot 55.

Tour — Living Under the Redwoods. 2 p.m. March 29, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center, Old Davis Road. Free parking in Lots 1 and 2, and the south entry garage, south of the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

All events are open to the public. All walking tours are free. More information: (530) 752-4880 or arboretum.ucdavis.edu.