[Columbia, SC] - Garden enthusiasts eager to choose from the finest assortment of spring bulbs can pre-order selections online before the 2006 Fall Bulb Sale on Saturday, November 11. This exclusive sneak preview gives gardeners their first choice on premium bulbs when they complete the order form online at www.riverbanks.org.

"This year Riverbanks offers a variety of crinums, tulips, daffodils and other miscellaneous bulbs. These bulbs are sure to fill your spring beds with beautiful colors, textures and fragrances," said Melodie Scott-Leach, director of horticulture at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "A new Riverbanks staff favorite being introduced to the annual sale is the popular Sparaxis, also known as the Harlequin Flower. Sparaxis has star shaped blooms and comes in a mix containing reds, coppers, whites, oranges, and purples."

The 5th annual bulb sale will offer a wide assortment of new selections as well as some old favorites. For the crinum lover, Riverbanks is offering the Crinum 'Mystery' for the first time. This crinum is smaller in stature than most crinums and has delicate pink flowers. The Narcissus 'White Lion,' a creamy white daffodil with yellow in the center is another new selection.

Between now and October 31 gardeners can visit www.riverbanks.org and click on the Fall Bulb Sale link on the homepage to pre-order their spring bulbs. Viewers can click on the bulb name and preview an image and read a brief description of the bulb. Shipping costs are an additional 10% of the total order or a minimum charge of $5 and a maximum of $25, but you can save money, packaging and time by planning to pick up your advance order on the day of the sale. Riverbanks will have your order ready for you upon arrival.

"Ordering ahead of the November 11 Fall Bulb Sale insures that you receive the bulbs of your choice. Garden fanatics are encouraged to pre-order or arrive early on the day of the sale since many bulbs go fast," Scott-Leach said. All bulbs listed on Riverbanks' website are currently available.

Riverbanks' Bulb Sale will be held at the Botanical Garden Visitors Center on the Terrace from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Pre-orders can be picked up at the Garden ticket area at this time. Interested gardeners can also call 803.779.8717 for more information.