Arboretum All-Stars -- including Argentine zephyr flowers, Bowman's California fuchsia, Mexican deer grass and coral autumn sage -- are going up for sale at the Friends of the Arboretum's 32nd annual Plant Faire, set for Oct. 7.

A preview tour is planned at 11 a.m. Sept. 30 at the sale site, the Arboretum Nursery at Orchard Park, near Orchard and La Rue roads.

A week later, the Plant Faire is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a members-only sale from 8 to 10 a.m. People can join at the door; membership provides early admission and reduced prices at this sale and others throughout the year, organizers said.

Sale proceeds support maintenance and development of the arboretum's gardens, collections, and educational programs for children and adults, according to a news release.

Shoppers are advised to bring carts or wagons for their purchases. And, to go with your shopping, the organizers plan live music and free children's activities.

Folks at the arboretum say people can hardly go wrong with Arboretum All-Stars, because they thrive in hot Central Valley gardens.

Besides the all-stars, the sale will include new and different plants for adventuresome gardeners who love the thrill of experimenting, the Friends of the Arboretum announced. "There will be wide variety of plants for special garden needs, including plants for shade under trees, drought-tolerant plants, plants to attract birds and but-

terflies, and even carnivorous plants. There will also be lots of California native plants, ornamental grasses, herbs, and a lovely selection of antique heritage roses, along with unusual shrubs and trees from the arboretum collection."

The arboretum announced that expert gardeners will be available to advise shoppers about choosing the best plants for their garden conditions.

Also, the Davis Botanical Society is expected to bring a variety of exotic tropical houseplants.

Members of Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and the Davis Botanical Society will receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases, according to the news release. As an added bonus, officials said, anyone joining at the sale will receive a coupon for a free plant.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT-WHEN: Plant Faire Preview Tour, 11 a.m. Sept. 30

WHAT-WHEN: Plant Faire, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 7; members-only sale 8-10 a.m. (you can join at the door)

WHERE: Arboretum Nursery at Orchard Park, near Orchard and La Rue roads

ADMISSION: Free for the preview tour and sale

PARKING: Free, Lot 35

MAP AND PLANT LIST: http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu

MORE INFORMATION: (530) 752-4880