Public sale is good, maybe i overrated with four stars though, because you have to watch everything very carefully; all the good stuff I went early to choose for my purchase was swiped by women shoppers while I went to pay. Big headaches, keep your receipts secure and take someone to guard your purchases or it's all for nothing. The field employees are the very very best and speak more than one language which is credit to their intelligence and ability to help. Go to them with questions about the plants they sell. Those women and men constantly work to bring fresh plants out to sell. They do the heavy lifting AND are industrious, kind, and helpful. They are the reason to go. The people sitting around the tables offer scripted lip service only; don't bother asking them to watch your items or answer a question about the plants. I'm guessing, but, they seem to be temporary, single weekend workers, that are unfamiliar with this type business. In any case, the 'table warmers' seem bored and disinterested; and I'm not referring to 'French ennui'. I drive from out of state to go to McCorkle's annual sales. An experienced gardener will know their merchandise is excellent for the price. With all that said: I rate it a go! read more