LIVE OAK
Santa Cruz Garden Exchange evening pop-up
Join fellow gardeners for the free monthly Santa Cruz Garden Exchange from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the parking lot of Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. Please park in the northern rows of the parking lot, away from the building.
Gardeners are welcome to bring seeds, bulbs, succulents, houseplants, veggies, fresh flowers, informational material, or any garden-related items to trade within the garden community. You don’t need to bring something to participate, but you must take back any items not given out. For questions, email santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com.
SANTA CRUZ
Shared Adventures Garden Club held weekly
Come get your hands dirty, your heart happy, and your mind clear, gardening is therapeutic! From 11 a.m. to noon every Thursday, Shared Adventures Gardening Club meets at Common Roots Farm, 301 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz. There are raised ADA garden beds to work in and ADA paths as well. Show up, sign in and help out. It’s a fun atmosphere and adaptable to all abilities. There are shaded area to take breaks in.
Email sharedactivities@yahoo.com for information.
WATSONVILLE
Hands-on summer pruning and fruit care workshop
Birdsong Orchards is hosting a summer pruning and fruit care workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the orchards, 613 Lakeview Road, Watsonville. Summer pruning can be as important as winter pruning, but is often neglected amid other garden chores. Let’s go for a walk through the summer orchard together. This workshop will discuss and demonstrate what to prune in the summer months and how, as well as what to leave alone until the winter season.
Information on pruning new, young and mature trees, discussion of appropriate tools and different pruning styles will be covered. It will include walking through the orchard, looking at how pruning decisions affect growth and productivity in walnuts, apricots, peaches, plums, figs, apples, pears and roses. The workshop will also include discussion and demonstration on fruit thinning for an optimal harvest, summer watering, and tasting a few ripe fruits along the way. It is suitable for ages 16 and up and limited to 25 people. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. The walk is 1-2 miles total on a gentle slope.
Go to birdsongorchards.com/products/summer-pruning-fruit-tree-care-workshop for tickets.
APTOS
Annual Ice Cream Social with The Gardeners’ Club
Join The Gardeners’ Club at 7 p.m. Thursday, for a delightful summer evening. The Gardeners’ Club Ice Cream Social will be held at the Aptos Grange 2555 Mar Vista, Aptos. Bring your favorite toppings and compete for the title of the Succulent Sundae champion.
Explore the Plant Table, offering bargain prices on a variety of greenery for your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in sweet treats, share gardening tips, and find new additions for your garden oasis.
Go to www.thegardenersclub.org for information.
FELTON
Summer Pruning and Tree Care workshop on deck
Join professional arborist and orchardist Terence Welch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m July 13 for a live, hands-on session on how to prune in the summer prune and care for deciduous fruit trees at Sydalyn Hill, 401 Tollhouse Road, Felton. This class will focus on pome fruits (apples and pears) as well as stone fruits (peach, nectarine, plum, apricot, aprium).
The workshop will discuss the basics of shaping and thinning trees in summer to ensure plenty of light and airflow to the fruit and next year’s buds. Welch will also touch on summer irrigation and how to recognize some insect pest and predator damage and how to prevent those problems. After going over these basics, everyone will walk to the orchard for a hands-on demonstration and practice pruning trees in an established orchard. Be prepared to stand and walk for 2-3 hours wearing outdoor shoes, a sun hat and layered clothing. Bring a water bottle, pruning shears and if you have a long-handled pruner, that can be very helpful. Class size is limited to 20 people so register early.
Go to mbmg.ucanr.edu for information and to register. Contact Delise Weir at ddweir2000@gmail.com for information. Sponsored by UC Master Gardeners of Monterey & Santa Cruz.
The Garden Digest is compiled by Jesselyn Rego. To submit items for the calendar including events, meetings, resources, or anything garden related, email sentinelhomeandgarden@gmail.com.