Santa Cruz
The Master Gardener's online information session has been released
An information session for the UC Master Horticulturist Certificate Program will be held on Aug. 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Interested in becoming a volunteer master gardener but have questions? What do master gardeners do? What does it mean to be a volunteer master gardener? Do I have the necessary gardening experience? How long does it take? UC Master Gardeners in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties are accepting applications through September 30 for upcoming internship cohorts. The training and certification program begins in January and is open to residents of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.
Attend a one-hour information session to learn more about the UC Master Gardener program and get an overview of the training and certification process. You'll learn about the program's mission and the many ways local gardeners can educate themselves about sustainable gardening, as well as some of today's master gardeners. There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions. For information and to register, visit mbmg.ucanr.edu or https://bit.ly/44Ya3uR.
Santa Cruz
Management of municipal gardens every third Saturday
As a community, on Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E. Cliff Drive Santa Cruz, gather at Terrell Park as part of the city's Adopt-a-Park program. At the Museum Gardens Learning Center, you'll gain new knowledge about local ecosystems, native plants and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature outdoors. It's time to clean your hands! This native garden requires general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding and replanting. Please let us know by email if you would like any special RSVP arrangements. This program will take place rain or shine, but will be canceled in the event of muddy conditions or inclement weather. All ages welcome. Children under 13 require adult supervision. Join your community every third Saturday at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. To register, email volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org. Places are limited. For more information, visit santacruzmuseum.org.
Santa Cruz
A local farm hosts a weekly garden club, Shared Adventures.
Dirty Hands, Happy Hearts and Clear Minds every Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon at Common Roots Farm, 301 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz. With Shared Adventures, people get outdoors and push their limits. It is a non-profit organization working to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, recognizing that recreation, relaxation, challenge and access to nature are essential to health and well-being. Gardening is therapy, keep your hands dry! See commonrootsfarm.org for more information.
Santa Cruz
The Homeless Gardens Project hosts farm and business tours.
Following the great success and overwhelmingly positive response of the previous Farm and Enterprise Tour, the Homeless Gardens Project is pleased to announce an organic farm project that provides job training, transitional employment and support services to the homeless. A very fun race for everyone. A second tour is scheduled for Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Homeless Garden Project farm west of Santa Cruz. This blend of education, community building and delicious food is what sets this farm and company tour apart and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
On this tour, knowledgeable staff will take you on a 1.5-hour comprehensive tour of the Homeless Gardens Project's Natural Bridges Farm. Learn about sustainable agricultural practices and social entrepreneurship in the Indoor Gardens Program. Home Garden Project's personal development and homeless support services program has an impressive success story, with 93% of program graduates finding employment and 84% finding housing within three months of leaving the program.
Tour participants learn about job and community education programs. The contest is held once a month and is open to all. Admission is $30 per person and includes a pint of our famous strawberry and gardener's soap to take home as a souvenir. Children under 4 can enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Visit HGPFarmTour2023.com to purchase tickets.
Carmel
Mark your calendars. The 11th Annual Crystal Pumpkin Patch is here!
This year's Carmel Glass Pumpkin Patch will be held on September 16th from 10am-5pm and September 17th from 10am-4pm. This is a free event. No payment is required from door to door. The event is open all weekend, rain or shine. This event was held at the beautiful Hilton Bialek Habitat, located at 4380 Carmel Valley Road (near Carmel High School). The Glass Pumpkin Patch features a stunning display of hand-blown glass pumpkins created by nationally renowned glass artist Nick Leonoff and a select group of other glass artists. Come and enjoy delicious food from MEarth Garden and other local chefs, a fun kids zone and community education partners. Proceeds from this event directly benefit MEarth's local education programs, which reach more than 2,500 youth in Monterey County each year. Please leave your angry friends at home. For more information, visit Eventbrite.com.
Garden Digest is compiled by Jesselyn Rego. Email sentinelhomeandgarden@gmail.com to submit items for the calendar, including events, meetings, resources, or anything else related to gardening.
