Shepard Garden and Arts Center

Came here for the plant sale, which included native plants and all sorts of great craft items.This venue used to be a great place to hold annual native plants sales too, but Covid put a stop to it.

This was my first time visiting the Shepard Garden Center for an annual Bromeliads and Carnivorous plant Society show. The building had several areas filled with beautiful varieties of plants on display and for sale. Apparently, this place puts on numerous events by different clubs and societies throughout the year from arts & crafts to horticulture. There is a number of separate rooms and even a nice patio area where people can display their wares to the interested public. It is free to check out, along with free ample parking in the adjacent lot. The society members present were friendly and enjoyed sharing their knowledge of plants. We had a nice time exploring all the different plant species and made several purchases to add to our own garden collection back at home. Now that I know about this place, I look forward to returning to see some of the other horticultural club events in the coming months.

I love the Shepard Garden and Arts Center because they host my favorite event of the year... The Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society Annual Show and Sale!It happens about the first weekend in May each year (Saturday and Sunday), doors open at 9am and you have to get there early (line starts forming about 8:30) to get the best plants. Free admission and free plant to the first 100 customers.If you haven't been and have even the slightest interest or curiosity in cacti and succulents then you need to go! I have never seen so many cacti and succulent plants in one location in my life! This is easily the biggest and the best show in Northern California. Well worth the drive! There is also a couple pottery vendors as well selling homemade goods.Along with the plant sale outside (most plants range from $1-$15 but the bigger or rare plants can go for $20, $30, $50+) there is also a plant show inside the building where the society members display their best plants. This is definitely worth a look. They are amazing!I usually spend $45-65 and come home with 8 or 10 new plants. The event runs from 9-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday and I'm usually there for an hour and a half to two hours. Come prepared because it's always windy, always hot, and always super crowded!

I've been here a couple of times, for a couple of different plant shows. Similar experience both times, and I will be happy to return again.Parking: Easy, in lot in front, also street parking availablePlant sales: Priced appropriately, lots to chose from outsidePlant exhibits: Beautifully arranged inside, plenty to look at (but not something that will take more than 10-20 minutes)Bathrooms: Clean, insideCost: Free, my favorite!

One word....GROOVY! This place is like a time capsule in the best Brady Bunch kind of way! I have a monthly club meeting here and we always have a good time. The place is large enough to set up for a speech, or tables for a gathering. There is a large and beautiful patio area. Right by McKinley Park tennis courts. There is a small parking lot and the rest is on street parking. It's very dark and night around here so be careful. I don't know how much it is to rent since I'm only an attendee. The bathrooms are nice and clean. Good place for an event.

Located near McKinley Park - a neighborhood gem. Throughout the year they host a variety of horticultural and craft events - primarily on weekends. Most of the crafts are done by local artists. Many of the plants available are native to California and are perfect for gardens here in the Sacramento area. For any of the gardening events there are always experts available to answer questions. Although it's a somewhat small venue I always find something I can't live without. Streets for nearby parking. Entry is generally free.

Today's 2016 Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society Annual Show and Sale was amazing. Being the second day, the available plant quantities were much less. That just makes the dozen of plants there stand out more. Plenty of happy shoppers in line, including us! The show indoors is an outstanding exhibit of wondrous natural art.

Came here for the Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Show. The fiancé wanted to check this show out and possibly purchase some plants. First we went here around 11:00 AM and the line was loooooonnnnnggggg. We decided to come back and hope the lines were shorter. After we stopped at Arden Fair Mall, we came back to give it one more try. Lines were a little shorter so we parked on the street and stood in line but found out that there were two lines. Left line was for entering while the right line was for paying. YIKES! We waited patiently to enter and when we did they still had plenty of plants left to purchase. There were different sizes of cactuses and succulents but what attracted us the most was the smaller ones. Of course the prices are different depending on size and possibly the type of plant it is. The small cactuses and succulents we bought ranged form $3-$5. I saw a plant that was $100 so as you can see it ranges. Under the tables they had empty boxes you can pick up to place the plants you want to purchase. After you are done looking around, go back outside to stand in the paying line. The line wraps around inside until you reach the cash register. They only had two cash registers going so we waited in line for about 2 hours just to pay. They also have shows inside that you can attend to but I didn't get a chance to see what it was all about. Overall it was interesting but my tip for you is arrive early. FREE to enter so I am thinking it's free for the other plant shows they have throughout the year.

I had so much fun at the 2014 succulent and cactus show and sale. I purchased a ton of plants. The plants I purchased were less than four bucks each. I am a succulent junkie and saw many plants that I had never seen before. All of the members were friendly and I am considering joining the club. Bonus points for the free plant. Trying not to go back tomorrow...

Always interesting exhibitions happening at their location in McKinley Park. One of my favorites exhibits is the succulent show and sale. The folks that organize the succulent show are very knowledgeable. They are friendly, and are eager to share their knowledge.