How to sell auction items: High value bonsai, pots or stands can be submitted to the auction. All auction items need to be approved by the BGLM auction team and received in “show ready” condition at the BGLM before Friday, January 9, 2026.  The first step to submit items is to contact the BGLM auction team.  Consignment items will have a minimum charge of 25% of sale price charge.  Full donations are appreciated and tax deductible. More information, including contact information and instructions can be found on the auction forms.

How to sell sale items: Any bonsai related items are suitable for the sale, such as pre-bonsai, bonsai, tools, pots, accent plant material, stands, books, etc.  Consignment items will have a charge of 25% of the sale price charge. Full donations are appreciated and tax deductible. Material for the Sunday sale will be accepted at the Lakeside Park Garden Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (preferred date and time) and Sunday, March 8, 2026 between 8:00 am – 9:00 am. More information, including contact information and instructions can be found on the sale forms.

How to Bid in the Saturday auction: To bid on items during the Saturday auction, simply register and purchase a catalog and bidder card for $5 when you arrive on Saturday. Registration starts at 11:00 am and remains open through the auction. The bidder card is required for you to bid on auction items. The catalog illustrates the items that will be auctioned in sequence and includes a description of each item.

Auction items will be available for public viewing at 12:00 pm on Saturday, one hour before bidding starts at 1:00 pm. Each item will display the catalog number of the item and description.

The auctioneer will determine the opening bid. Raises above the opening bid will be approximately 10% increments. For instance, an item with a minimum bid of $250 will be raised in increments of $25. If any dispute arises during the auction, it shall be reviewed by the auction chairs and their resolution will be final.

During the auction of each item, the winning bidder will receive an auction item number sticker on their bidder’s card by an auction official. Each bidder is encouraged to record on their bidder’s card the purchase amount next to the item number. Bidders may exit the auction at any time when their bidding is complete. Bring your bidder card to the cashier. The cashier will have the information and price for each item you have won. While disputes are rare, any disputes will be reviewed by the auction committee and their ruling will be final.  You may pay with credit cards, checks, cash, and Google Wallet or Apple Pay from your cell phone.  We cannot accept peer to peer payment methods such as Venmo, Zell, or PayPal. After purchase you will be given a paper receipt marked PAID.  Bring this receipt to an auction official and they will retrieve your item(s) for you. For security purposes, this stamped paid receipt will be checked at the exit door.

To get large and heavy items to your car, carts will be available for your use free of charge.  To borrow a cart, leave your driver’s license with the appropriate volunteer near the front door.

How to Buy items at the Sunday sale (10:00 am – 3:00 pm): The Sunday sale offers hundreds of items from individuals and the BGLM.  It’s a great place to find bargains and good quality material alike.

While shopping, you must keep the items that you intend to purchase with you.  There is no place where volunteers can hold items that are not paid for.  Carts are not allowed in the sales area.  If your unattended item is picked up by another buyer, it is theirs to purchase.

Once you have made your selection, you may get in line to pay for your items.  If you have many items, or heavy items, a cart may be provided for you. There will be line monitors that will point you at the cashiers when it is your turn.

You may pay with credit cards, checks, cash, and Google Wallet or Apple Pay from your cell phone.  We cannot accept peer to peer payment methods such as Venmo, Zell, or PayPal. After purchase you will be given a receipt marked PAID.  For security purposes, this stamped paid receipt will be checked at the exit door. To get large and heavy items to your car, carts will be available for your use free of charge.  To borrow a cart, leave your driver’s license with the appropriate volunteer near the front door.

Vendor area (9:00 am – 3:00 pm Sunday only): On Sunday, there is a large and impressive vendor area to explore.  Vendors are bonsai professionals and bring high quality trees, pots, soil, tools and other bonsai related items to sell.  Each vendor is independent, so purchase items directly from each vendor.  If you would like to vend at the Mammoth Fundraiser, contact Suzanne Muller, contact information is on the best practices document.

Want to volunteer?  Volunteer signups will start in October 2025.  To get an email notification and the link to the Sign Up Genius in October, please send an email request with subject line “Mammoth 2026 volunteer” and your contact information to Suzanne Muller, contact information is on the best practices document.

Questions?  If you have any questions about the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt Mammoth Auction and Sale, please contact chairperson Suzanne Muller, contact information is on the best practices document.  Thank you for your support of the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt.