Join Sonoma County Chief Gardener April Lynch for a free photo walk through the native Live Oaks of Northern California on September 11. Using artistic photographs she has taken over the course of 11 years, Lynch will lead an illustrative walking tour of chaparral, woodlands and woodlands to educate participants about local oaks and shrubs. She will show the microscopic oak blossoms and the variety of acorns and leaves that can be found at our feet.
The conference will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration required at conta.cc/3q0eh2k. You will receive a confirmation email with information on how to participate in the library chat. Santa Rosa Central Library, 211 E St., Santa Rosa. For more information, call 707-565-2608 or email mgsonoma@ucdavis.edu.
Petaluma compostingComposting is a natural way to recycle and grow healthy plants from scratch. Like humans, plants need nutrients such as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but a lot depends on the soil. Adding organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, to the soil enriches the soil and provides valuable fertilizer that helps microorganisms support plants. Farmers often refer to this enriched soil as “black gold”.
Laurie Caldwell, Alameda County Composting Master, residential landscaping and mulching expert, will host a free in-person and online composting workshop on September 10.
Caldwell will present ways to use composting techniques in local landscapes. She explains how to study the existing soil and incorporate the right type of compost into the landscape. It also shows techniques you can use in your yard or garden.
Caldwell is certified by the Maine Compost School and works as an educator for Stop Waste, an organization that aims to "connect people to the earth and all it has to offer." She has been teaching sustainable gardening in the Bay Area since 2007.
The event will take place in person at the Petaluma Library from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will also be streamed live on Zoom. Sign up for your favorite viewing method at dailyacts.org/events-cal/backyard-composting-101. The event is organized by Daily Acts. The Petaluma Library is located at 100 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma.
Sonoma County's Chief Gardener, Ann Lowings, will share what she's learned in her years of flower gardening at a free workshop Sept. 10 in Sebastopol.
Through trial and error, she found the best varieties for Sonoma County. She'll also explain how these hardy, versatile plants can be fun all year round with a little care and watering. from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Sevastopol Regional Library, Bodega Ave., 7140, Sevastopol. Spaces are limited, so register at bit.ly/3KBk9Zc.
For more information, call 707-565-2608 or email mgsonoma@ucdavis.edu.
Send home and garden updates to Meg McConahey at 707-521-5204 or email meg.mcconahey@pressdemocrat.com. Submit it at least three weeks before the event.
