San Francisco Blog

For sale, by owner -- where'd he go?

There are some things you never, ever want to buy used: Undergarments, motel mattresses, or sex toys spring to mind.

And while it's not revolting, the idea of purchasing a second-hand plant is certainly unusual -- what is the blue book value of a 1998 African Violet? And yet, that's just what'll be happening on Sunday at Union Square during the Macy's Flower Show Plant Sale.

The sale's PR mavens describe the fare as "slightly used" -- prompting the question of just how, exactly, one "uses" a plant. In any event, the merchandise is composed of the flora that "beautified Union Square during its two week Flower Show event."

The proceeds go toward maintaining Union Square's plant life. Unsold plants will be crushed in front of small children, traumatizing them for life (nah, actually they'll be donated to charity).

And, no, this plant won't be there. Unless you bring it yourself.