Over the past few weeks I have had several in-depth conversations about plant names. Specifically, why I chose to include scientific plant names across the front of Jewellgarden’s new note cards and how these names are determined – why are they so confusing? All of these conversations got me thinking about plant names – what purpose they serve, why it is important to me to learn them and thus why they proudly embellishing my new cards. Photo: A black and white note card depicting the California black oak acorn (Quercus kelloggii) from my Natives in the Garden series.
Let’s start with this: to know someone or something’s real name adds depth, intimacy, understanding and meaning to your relationship to that person or thing.
Let’s move on to this: We all have multi-layered names – first, middle, family names and so on. Most plants have common names. Beardtongue – which is used to refer to various members of the Penstemon genus and black-eyed susan – which can refer to Rudbeckia hirta – are examples of descriptive common names. But different people/regions can have their own common names for plants, and these common names may have little and unpredictable consistency over time or space. What I call mock orange, you may call something else. And thus confusion. This is why all living things (from algae to bugs, birds and bison) also have scientific names. Photo: Penstemon heterophyllus.
Scientists classify living things based on their relationship to one another. Very simply stated, the classification system used (you will recall from middle school science) follows levels from the most general to the most specific: Kingdom, Phyllum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. While different flow charts indicate different top levels, one of the top levels (most general) of classification below LIFE is: Kingdom, for instance, the Animal Kingdom (you remember that show? This is what the title was referring to), the Plant Kingdom, the Fungi Kingdom, and so on. I believe most scientists agree now on about 6 total Kingdoms. We as Homo sapiens are members of the Animal Kingdom, and further down the line, the Hominidae Family.
While some attempts at systematic naming and classifying began earlier than Carl Linnaeus, an 18th century (life dates 1707 – 1778) Swedish botanist, it was Linnaeus who standardized the system once and for all with his work Species Plantarum. After the publication of this book in 1753, plants began consistently being referred to by their two word scientific name. Referred to as binomial or binary nomenclature (two-word naming), a plant’s two part name, almost always taken from Latin, consists of a genus name and a species name.
When written, genus names are capitalized and italicized; species names are lower cased and italicized. So: Narcissus poeticus. Permutations include species’ variations, hybrids, cultivars, etc. The plural of genus is most commonly “genera”, but “genuses” is also acceptable (albeit irritating to botanists). When speaking of a plant genus as a whole – for instance Narcissus, Rosa or Penstemon, you use the plural: so “Narcissus are bulbs.” When speaking of an individual in a genus, you may use use the singular or the plural: “The Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus is a lovely and fragrant spring-blooming bulb.” Photo: Penstemon palmeri.
Plenty of confusion and disagreement as to scientific classification, and style, can and does ensue as new information is gathered or new technology such as DNA sequencing is used in classifying plants, but using scientific names is still far less confusing than if we just used common names. Here in northern California, many people refer to Pittosporum tobira as “mock orange,” yet while living in Seattle, I learned to call varieties of the genus Philadelphus “mock orange.” Both of these plants are so nick-named because they bear white flowers with a lovely sweet fragrance reminiscent of the scent of orange (Citrus) blossoms.
Every bit as storied and evocative as common names, scientific names often tell you quite a lot about a plant’s history – including where it came from, as in japonicus being from Japan, who first named it, as in douglasii, meaning that it was recorded, collected and named by or for 19th century Scottish plant hunter David Douglas. It could tell you what color to expect some part of the plant to be, as in alba which means white or nearly white, or glauca, which indicates a blue-green color.
To know a plant’s scientific name is to know more about it and is to be able about it in a more precise and meaningful way. Which is exactly why I see meaning and added beauty in a plant’s name: genus names embellish my Native Plants note cards, and common, genus and species names embellish my Edibles in the Garden note cards this season. So while it may initially seem weird to see the word Quercus across a photo of the acorns of a California black oak (Quercus kelloggii), it is also sort of fun and interesting to know that Quercus is the ancient Latin name for oak, and the name for the entire oak genus no matter where you might travel in the world and encounter other members of this genus: in Texas, in Massachusetts, in Spain, and so forth. A landscape architect friend of mine advocates starting by learning a few plant families and the genera included in them as a good starting point for learning plant names and beginning to understand their relationships. Photo: close up of Penstemon palmeri flowers, showing the “beard” from which the common name is derived.
Are we dim-witted cretans if we do not know the scientific name of each plant we encounter? Ooooh, I really hope not or I stand before you guilty as charged – there are so many plants whose full scientific names and natures I have yet to fully know. Will knowing those names enliven and deepen my understanding of and connection to those very same plants? In my experience, it will indeed.
So, I am Jennifer Jewell (no middle name) – daughter of Samuel Rea Jewell and Frances Sheila Balding Jewell – wife of, mother of and sister to completely different sets of names all of which say something more about me. It’s a great pleasure to meet you. Tell me – what is your name? Photo: Close up of Penstemon cobea flowers.
A wonderful book on this subject is: “The Naming of Names: The Search for Order in the World of Plants,” by Anna Pavord. Lyon Books in Chico will have it in stock or can order it for your quite quickly.
(My new note cards are available throughout the region: in Chico at Magnolia Gift & Garden, Lyon Books, The Plant Barn, The Gateway Science Museum Gift shop, Grace, Jr., The Little Red Hen and Made in Chico. In Orland, they are at the Prickly Pear Garden Center, in Red Bluff at Discover Earth and in Redding at the Turtle Bay Gift Shop. All of Jewellgarden’s products are also available on-line at Jewellgarden.com. I will be selling them in person at the June 26th Slow Food Shasta Cascade’s Field to Fork festival in Red Bluff’s River Park – see calendar of events below for more details. Jewellgarden products are created and printed here in the North State, support the production of In a North State Garden, our regional economy and of course horticulture generally.)
Speaking of edibles in the garden, the monthly edible-farm-and-garden report is heating up in the month of June as even with a slow, cool damp spring, some of our summer crops begin to bear:
Pam Geisel, Statewide Coordinator of the Master Gardener Program, who lives and gardens in Hamilton City, sends these tips:
“1. After harvest, fertilize both cherries and apricots. For mature trees, apply about 2 pound of urea OR 5 pounds of amonium sulfate OR about 25 pounds of compost/manure per tree. (use half the amount for small or newer trees). Water in well after application.
2. Plant pumpkins now (if you have not already) for harvest in mid-to-late October (for Halloween and harvest parties). They take from 90-108 days to harvest. (approximately 15 weeks). I usually have a harvest party around the 15th so I need to be sure my pumpkins are in by the first week in June. For making pies, my favorite is called “Baby Pam.” This year though, I am planting a speciality variety called “Knucklehead,” which are just all warty and bumpy. I thought they would make wonderful centerpieces. Both of these varieties are available from Johnny’s Selected Seed.
3. Prune fireblight out of infected pears and apple trees. This year may be especially bad because of the late rains. Once warmer temperatures prevail, the fireblight bacteria do not grow as quickly but symptoms may continue to show up. Pune back below the point of infection into healthy wood and burn or discard the infected clippings, making sure to sterilize your saw or clippers. Do not compost fire blight infected yard waste. For more on fireblight go to UCIPM Pest note at: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7414.html.
4. Once the first flush of roses is done, prune back spent flower heads to a bud that has at least 5 leaflets. This will help to stimulate new growth and another flush of bloom later in the season. Try to choose a bud that points to the outside of the plant, which will keep the center of the plant open in the middle and improve air circulation thereby diminishing disease. Fertilize with an all-purpose fertilizer or side dress with compost and/or manure. Some rosarians suggest a menu of alfalfa meal and epsom salts. Water in all fertilizers after application.”
Nancy Heinzel and Brian Marshall of Sawmill Creek Farms in Paradise (2,100 foot elevation and Sunset zone 7) write: “The beginning of June always arrives with the heady aroma of garlic (Allium sativum). Garlic harvest is here and with garlic harvest comes the narrow culinary window of roasted fresh garlic. Most of the garlic we lift from the ground is hung for curing but some cloves are reserved for roasting. Fresh, uncured garlic when roasted is unbelievably rich, creamy and sweet. An elemental, earthy delight. As simple as garlic may be, it will keenly reflect the soil you plant it in. Brian’s preference is for lots of horse manure and compost and never planting in the same ground two years running. Buy bulbs from a reliable source – never use ones from the grocery store for a “seed crop” as their origin can be questionable. (A good reason to grow your own garlic!)
We usually plant our garlic in October and hope to coincide the planting with a subsequent rainstorm…In May, start monitoring the garlic plants and weather carefully. It’s best to stop watering completely about a week before harvest to allow the bulbs a chance to dry a bit in the ground. A late rainstorm can bring havoc to a crop of garlic about to be harvested. When the bottom leaves of the plant are dry and start to fall over but there still remains about 5 to 6 green leaves on top, it may be time to harvest. Pull a bulb and check. If the bulb looks good to you and well-formed with nice cloves, then harvest. Never pull garlic up by its stalk – use a garden fork to turn the soil and then lift out the plant. Bunch 5 or 6 garlic heads together by their stalks and hang in a well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight for about a week or two. Store in a cool, dry location. Don’t forget to keep a few fresh bulbs for roasting. Clean the bulb well and cut off the roots. Slice off the top of the garlic bulb and drizzle on a little olive oil. Wrap in foil and bake in a 300° oven for about 45 minutes. Smear the roasted garlic on some good sourdough bread and say hello to summer.”
Wolfgang Rougle of Twining Tree Farms outside of Cottonwood, concurs on the garlic: Heirloom garlics such as earthy ‘Chesnok Red’, delicate shallot-like ‘Music’ and artichoke-like ‘Polish Jenn’ are my favorites. Garlic is among the easiest crops to grow: plant September through early November… green garlic harvested March through June is a wonderful spring treat. Garlic doesn’t need much fertility and doesn’t benefit from row cover. Aggressively trap gophers: garlic is their favorite food! Dig the garlic when it still has a green leaf or two. Allow it to dry down in a dry shady place with plenty of air circulation; trim off the leaves when all is crispy. Hardneck garlics don’t store well past August; I’ve always needed to buy new seedstock in October. Like most of the best things in life, they should be enjoyed when they are available, not treasured up for the future. Softneck garlic keeps well into March.
Denise Kelly of The Plant Barn in Chico is beginning to harvest her onions, and Wayne and Laurel Kessler of Shambani Organics will enjoy their seed-started basil fresh and in pesto in June.
In my garden, the sweet peas and snap peas are continuing to produce due to our cool damp weather, and the tomatoes are blooming, but their progress is a bit slow – I do not have row covers or other insulation on them because I keep thinking our first heat wave will arrive any minute. Right?
My potatoes are blooming happily, which is generally an indication that the first little “new potatoes” are ready to harvest. The main crop will be ready when the foliage has died back later in the summer. While rains continue to provide fairly regular water to our gardens, the regular wind is fairly drying as well so monitor the moisture in your soils carefully. Top dressing your veggies with a nutrient rich and moisture conserving compost mulch will keep your plants vigorous – just don’t over mulch and suffocate them! Photo: Flowers on my potato plants.
More edible gardening tips can be found each month at David Grau’s Valley Oak Tool and the Chico Organic Gardening Class Series newsletter, published monthly.
June in the calendar of regional gardening events is only slightly less busy than it was in May. Many gardening clubs and plant societies take summer months off from normal meeting schedules, but others of course offer interesting summer camps for kids! If you are interested in our regional events, be sure to check the On-line Calendar of Regional Gardening Events at jewellgarden.com regularly – events are added everyday! I do my very best to keep the calendar up to date and accurate, please confirm all events with the event host’s contact information. If you are aware of a mistake on my calendar, please send me corrected info: Jennifer@jewellgarden.com! Thanks.Photo: Sure enough, a purple “new potato.”
JUNE 2010
June 1 – Davis: UC Davis Arboretum Writers in the Garden 7:00 p.m., Wyatt Deck, Old Davis Road. The UC Davis Arboretum invites fans of good writing and beautiful gardens to enjoy a reading by poet and essayist Dorine Jennette on Tuesday, June 1. She will read from her work and talk about the importance of the natural world in her writing. Jennette’s poetry collection Urchin to Follow has just been published by the National Poetry Review Press. Her poems, reviews, and essays have appeared in journals such as the Journal, Coconut, Court Green, Puerto del Sol, Ninth Letter, the New Orleans Review, and the Georgia Review. The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Wyatt Deck, on Old Davis Road next to the Redwood Grove in the UC Davis Arboretum. Parking is available for $6.00 in Visitor Lot 5, at Old Davis Road and A Street. For more information, please call (530) 752-4880 or visit arboretum.ucdavis.edu. The Writers in the Garden series is supported by the Arboretum and by a City of Davis Civic Arts Grant.
June 4 – Forest Ranch: Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve 3rd Annual Butterfly Survey: 8:30 am – 4 pm. The Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve and the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve are offering you an opportunity to join us for our 3rd annual butterfly survey on Friday, June 4th. This event is part of the North American Butterfly Association’s national efforts to collect population trend data. Our local expert entomologist Dr. Don Miller will lead the trip on the BCCER and Dr. Don Hankins will coordinate the trip on the BCEP. This free event is open to the public, donations are appreciated. Groups will meet at 8:30 a.m. at either Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (9.8 miles from Bruce Rd. on Hwy 32 East, click for directions) or the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve (turn left off Skyway and go 3.1 miles on Honeyrun Rd., click for map or here for directions). Please plan to wear long pants, a hat and sunscreen, and bring with you a sack lunch, water, pencil, paper, and a field guide if you have one. We will identify a variety of species with you. To attend send your RSVP and choice of locations to Jeff Mott at jmott@csuchico.edu soon because space is limited. see our events page or call us at 898-3333.
June 5 – Chico: Mt Lassen Chapter Cal Native Plant Society – Field Trip: Big Sky Country of Eastern Plumas National Forest 8 am meet at Chico Park and Ride (Hwy 99/32). We drive up the Feather River Canyon on Hwy 70 and north on Hwy 89 to the historic mountain town of Taylorsville in the picturesque Indian Valley. Driving up the narrow canyon along upper Indian Creek expect to see road-side flowers amid giant granite boulders. We skirt Antelope Lake and drive up and on a broad plateau area. The meandering road then passes in and out of a number of lush flower filled mountain meadows. We will make stops to view the plants close-up. Lots of sky above the surrounding timbered ridges and peaks unite to form an unforgettable visual experience. Bring lunch, water, sun/insect protection, and money for ride sharing. Leaders: Gerry Ingco: 530- 893-5123.
June 5 – Sacramento: Fair Oaks Horticulture Center/Sacramento County Master Gardeners OPEN GARDEN 8:30 am – 11:30 am. Drop in to see the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center gardens on your own. Ask Master Gardeners questions about the FOHC and see how we make every drop count. Fair Oaks Park, Fair Oaks, Ca. More info call: 916-875-6913. Or: http://groups.ucanr.org/sactomg/Fair_Oaks_Horticulture_Center/Workshop_Schedule.htm
June 5 – Redding: McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay: Charlie Rabbit and Friends 9:30 AM. An interactive program in the Gardens (or Greenhouse in rain) for children, their siblings, parents and grandparents. Free with Park or Garden admission. Meet at West Garden Entrance. Take N. Market Street, turn on Arboretum Drive. Take the right fork. Parking lot and entrance are on the left. More info: 530-242-3178 or www.turtlebay.org/nursery
June 5 – Dunsmiur: Window Box Nursery – Mini Bonsai Three Berries Workshop 9 – 12 noon, $45. Instructor Cheryl Petty. This pretty arrangement will give you more than one season of enjoyment, although the main display is in fall with three kinds of berries. Aronia berries are black, miniature cotoneaster ‘Strieb’s Findling’ berries are tiny and red, and the rosa woodsii hips are scarlet. Since class participation is limited to six participants, please call ahead to register. Pre-payment is required and is non-refundable. 530 235-0963. 5817 Sacramento Avenue, Dunsmuir
June 5 – Redding: Wonderland Garden Club Fundraiser: Dee’s Garden: 10 am – 2 pm. 20694 Highway 299 East, between Stillwater and Deschutes roads. Specializing in perennials and wildflowers. Live music, unique craft vendors, food, raffles. You could win a wagon full of plants in our Shopping Spree Extravaganza! Part of the proceeds will be donated to Redding Wonderland Garden Club for Scholarships to Shasta College and other community projects. More info: http://deesgardens.com/ or call: (530) 604-4440
June 5 – Davis: UC Davis Arboretum Guided Tour: Redwoods—Majestic and Amazing11:00 a.m., Buehler Alumni & Visitors Center, UC Davis. Learn about the complex and fascinating ecosystem of the redwood forest on a free guided tour at the UC Davis Arboretum on Saturday, June 5. This walk will provide a brief introduction to the ecology and history of the coast redwood and the most common animals and plants found with the redwoods. The tour will meet at 11:00 a.m. at the Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center, located on Old Davis Road at Mark Hall Drive, across from the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts on the UC Davis campus. There is no charge for the tour and free parking is available in Visitor Lot 1 and the parking garage south of the Mondavi Center. For more information, please call (530) 752-4880 or visit arboretum.ucdavis.edu.
June 5 – Durham: The Worm Farm – Build Your Own Worm Bin Workshop 10 am – 1 pm; $50. Information provided at The Worm Farm workshops include, construction of your worm bin, instruction on proper drainage and ventilation techniques, covering the bin, identifying the best location, prevention of pests and parasites, and selecting the best bedding for your worm bin. Other knowledge you will obtain is the anatomy, regeneration, longevity, and feeding of your worms. The Worm Farm, 9033 Esquon Road, Durham, CA 9593. Price includes materials & 1 pound of special composting worms by The Worm Farm. More Info: www.thewormfarm.net/workshops-build_bin.html or call: 530-894-1276
June 5 – Weaverville: Trinity Nursery Art Cruise – Art in the Nursery 4 – 7 pm. We will be kicking off the season on Saturday, April 3rd. View lovely art and visit with talented artists in the relaxed outdoor setting of the nursery (weather permitting, of course). Refreshments will be served. We are expecting the following artists: Debee Olson, Marge Heilman, Peggy Carr, John Heilman and Betty Pestoni. Please note our Art Cruise hours start and end earlier than those in the Historic District. More info: www.trinitynursery.com
June 5 & 6 – Paradise: Paradise Garden Club Annual Garden Tour & Fund Raiser Paradise Garden Club invites you to attend their 18th annual Garden Tour Saturday, June 5, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday, June 6, 12 noon to 4:00 PM. This is a self guided tour of six very diverse local gardens. Your tour experience will include waterfalls, ponds, cacti gardens, bamboo gardens, garden “rooms.” You will see the recovery of home and land after the 2008 Humboldt Wildfire through harvesting of lost trees, seeding of meadows, pastures and lawns, use of stone walls, flower beds and gardens. Included in the tour is a plant sale, boutique, compost demonstrations by a Master Composter and refreshments. This year two lucky ticket holders will win either a $400 Japanese Maple or Water Fountain, donated by Paradise Garden Center. Tickets are $15 and available at these locations: Magnolia Gift and Garden, Little Red Hen Nursery, Little Red Hen Gift Shop, Little Red Hen Kids and Kitchen in Chico, Lambert Feed and Garden in Oroville, Paradise Chamber of Commerce, Fir Street Gallery, HeavenScent Candles, Stationers Hallmark, Reid’s Nursery, Mendon’s Nursery and Paradise Garden Center in Paradise and Whispering Pines in Magalia. Proceeds go to civic beautification projects, youth group activities and college horticulture scholarships. Come relax, dream, and enjoy the charm and diversity of these Paradise gardens! Rain or Shine! More Info Call: 530-876-1926
June 8 – Red Bluff: Red Bluff Garden Club Board Meeting 2:00 pm at Red Bluff Library Meeting Room in Red Bluff. Club Board Meeting. more info: www.redbluffgardenclub.com
June 9 – Weaverville: Trinity Nursery 31st Anniversary Celebration All Day. More info: www.trinitynursery.com
June 10 – Magalia: Magalia Beautification Association – Regular Member Meeting & Program: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Monthly on the second Wednesday) Corner of Wycliff Way and Racine Circle, Magalia CA 95954 (map) Luncheon starts at 12:30, business at 1:00. Prospective members welcome! More Info: http://magaliagardeners.webs.com/
June 12 – 13 – Chico: Country Faire and Threshing Bee, Patrick Ranch Tours of the historic home and gardens, wheat threshing, grinding and baking are all part of the annual event. More info: http://site.patrickranchmuseum.org/about-patrick-ranch/
June 12 – Redding: McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay: No Muss, No Fuss Plants: A Walk and Talk 9 a.m. – noon Core Gardening Series Drought-tolerant, irrigation-tolerant (not boggy!), and low maintenance: easy-to-grow, easy-to-care-for plants should predominate in the garden! We will cover many beautiful, easy-to-garden with plants from the world’s Mediterranean climates, as well as other plants that adapt well to local environmental factors. Join Turtle Bay Horticulture Manager Lisa Endicott for a discussion of a favorite topic. Class includes interactive slideshow, walk in the Botanical Gardens to see the plants in person, and comprehensive list of plants to take home. Turtle Bay members and volunteers FREE, nonmembers $3 Meet at Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Office – 1135 Arboretum Drive (Next to Greenhouse in Nursery) More info: 530-242-3178 or www.turtlebay.org/nursery Photo: Native Carpenteria californica, also known as bush anemone, in bloom in May.
June 12 – Biggs: Bayliss Lavender Ranch Open House! 9 am – 3 pm. $5 admission. Step into the Gardens and back into the timeless beauty of Mother Nature at the Bayliss Ranch Circa 1865. Five generations of family farming since 1865, this farm exemplifies a commitment to sustainable farming, innovation and determination. We invite you to experience the REAL Essences from Mother Nature that Bayliss Ranch is committed to protecting and maintaining. Greenhouse Boutique Grand Opening Retail Sales: Essential Oils – Bath Salts – Potpourri – Bouquets – Plants – Personal Care Products. Photo stations, Farm Tours, Wedding & Event Site Tours, Musical Entertainment. Refreshments. Corner of Rio Bonita and HWY 99 in Biggs. To reserve tickets or for more info: (530) 868-5467 info@baylissranch.com
June 14 – Chico: Gateway Science Museum – New Interactive Science Exhibit Opening 60 stations of highly interactive exhibits. There will be exhibits about Light, Sound, Electricity and Magnetism, Spinning Things, and our ever-popular Brain Teasers. The activities will be accessible to kids of all ages, including adults. The show runs from June 14 to July 22 and will be available Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 12:30. More info: 530-898-4121
June 14-17 – Chico: Gateway Science Museum – Kids Summer Discovery Camp: Birds, Bugs & Habitats 9 am – 4 pm From life in the leaf litter to wildlife in the tree canopy, each day we will investigate different habitats. Through observation, field collection, and hands-on activities we’ll explore how each habitat provides food, water, cover, and a safe place for wildlife to raise young. Project activities include designing and constructing of bird feeders, investigation of native plant habitats, and conducting experiments using museum gardens. Camps are for children entering 4-6th grades. Pre-registration is required. To enroll, fill out and return (all four documents) the application, the informed consent document, the medical release, and the image release from: http://www.csuchico.edu/gateway/explore/summer-camp.shtml
June 16 – Redding: Shasta Rose Society – Regular Member Meeting and Mini-Rose Show, Public Welcome! 7:00 p.m. City of Redding Corporation Yard On Viking Way. More Info: http://www.shastarosesociety.org
June 17 – Redding: Shasta Chapter Cal Native Plant Society: Member Meeting Potluck Dinner 6 – 8 PM Chapter Meeting. This will be an outdoor Chapter meeting to kick off the summer at our growing grounds/ greenhouse area of Shasta College. This will be a potluck dinner, so bring a potluck dish to share, and also lawn chairs. Dinner will be around 6 PM. We will introduce the scholarship recipients and perhaps some of the past scholarship recipients at this meeting. Directions: take Old Oregon Trail to Shasta College’s main entrance. After turning into the College property, take the loop road past the theater parking lot, past the large student parking lot and welding building on the left, then turn right through the gate at the “Farm” or Horticulture area. Park in the area of the livestock barns/greenhouses/horticulture building. We will be in the picnic area between the greenhouses and growing grounds. Come see where we do propagation and raise the plants for our annual plant sales. More info: http://www.shastacnps.org/calendar.html
.
June 18 – Mt. Shasta/McCloud: US Forest Service McCloud Ranger Station: Native Plant Interpretive Garden Open House 10 am – 2 pm; 2019 Forest Road, McCloud, CA 96057. will be set up for anyone to do a leisurely tour through the garden, greenhouse and nursery. Staff crew members and volunteers will be spread around the site and available to answer questions. Native plant propagation demonstration station, a compost station and t-shirt stamping station set up. The compost station is basically our Peoples Garden project and will highlight what we are doing to recycle our landscape and food wastes. More Info: (530) 964-2184?
June 19 – Redding: Shasta Chapter Cal Native Plant Society: Field Trip to Lassen Natl ParkMeet in Redding at 8 AM at the back side of City Hall (Parkview Avenue side), 777 Cypress Avenue. Member David Ledger will lead a fieldtrip in Lassen National Park, along Hat Creek to Paradise Meadows and Terrace Lake. This will be a strenuous 5- to 6-mile hike at elevations of 6,400 to 7,600 feet. The hike will be through lodgepole, red fir and mountain hemlock forests, with beautiful wildflowers expected at Paradise Meadows and Terrace Lake. Bring hiking footwear, lunch and plenty of water. Call David Ledger at 355-9442 for details.
June 19 – Chico: Friends of the Chico State Herbarium: Workshop: Introduction to the Willows of California 9 am – 5 pm. Get a detailed overview of the Salicaceae, or willow family in this technical workshop offered by the Friends of the Herbarium. Registration is required. Visit http://www.csuchico.edu/biol/Herb/Events.html. More info call (530) 898-5381
June 19 – Redding: Wyntour Gardens – Floating Island Planting Party with Sherrie. Call for more information: 530-365-2256.
June 19 – Grass Valley: Master Gardeners of Placer and Nevada Counties – Summer Care of Roses Workshop 10:00 am to Noon, Master Gardener Demonstration Garden – 1036 W. Main Street Grass Valley, CA 95945. For more info: (530) 273-0919 or http://ceplacernevada.ucdavis.edu
June 20 – Redding: Shasta Chapter Cal Native Plant Society Plant Propagation10 AM – 12 PM at the Shasta College greenhouses. The greenhouses are located at the back of Shasta College, near the livestock barns. Bring rooted plants, clippers and any other tools you might need.Please call Susan Libonati at 530/347-4654 for further information.
June 20 – Red Bluff: Slow Food Shasta Cascade Slow Foodie Pot Luck Members, and friends of Slow Food Pot LuckWith our membership spread out from Butte County to the Northern border, we’d love a chance to get to meet all of you. And if you’re a Fellow Foodie, you’ll want to join us! kids welcome – there is a pool – more information soon: www.slowfoodshastacascade.org
June 21-24 – Chico: Gateway Science Museum – Kids Summer Discovery Camp: Creekside Discovery 9 am – 4 pm We will explore riparian communities of Big Chico Creek at all levels. From collecting aquatic macro-invertebrates, to examining the plants, trees, and wildlife that live in the creek, children will discover the important role of creeks in natural landscapes. Project activities include examining creek environments and the plants and animals that occupy those habitats, paper making, and a plant press for preserving the specimens. Camps are for children entering 4-6th grades. Pre-registration is required. To enroll, fill out and return (all four documents) the application, the informed consent document, the medical release, and the image release from: http://www.csuchico.edu/gateway/explore/summer-camp.shtml
June 26 – Red Bluff: Slow Food Shasta Cascade 2nd Annual Field to Fork Celebration Red Bluff River Park: Festivities will include Pancake Breakfast, Wheat threshing, flour milling and break baking along with many other local food growers and producers. Jewellgarden note cards in support of Slow Food Shasta Cascade will be available! Vendor Booth space available: Farmers – Producers – Artists – Local Products – Educational, soil, sun, water, seeds, plants, tools, nutrients, transport, eat! Anything from Field to Fork! More info: http://www.slowfoodshastacascade.org/
June 26 – Dunsmiur: Window Box Nursery – Bonsai Four Seasons of Accents Workshop 9 – 12 noon, $45. Guest instructors Barbara and Frank Bardella. Once you have a good sized collection, the next question becomes exhibition. Combining your specimen tree with a complimentary plant adds dimension to the display. Nature is suggested with small plants and can heighten the sense of season and mood. Each participant will take home four seasonal plants potted in tiny pots that are cute by themselves. Since class participation is limited to six participants, please call ahead to register. Pre-payment is required and is non-refundable. 530 235-0963. 5817 Sacramento Avenue, Dunsmuir
June 26 – Redding: McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay 9:30 am. A Walk with the Horticulture Manager, Lisa Endicott. Bring your notebooks and cameras for this participant-driven program. We’ll make our way through the Gardens with frequent stops for discussions about (what else?) plants! There’s something new to see every month! Free with Park or Garden admission. Meet at West Garden Entrance. Take N. Market Street, turn on Arboretum Drive. Take the right fork. Parking lot and entrance are on the left. More info: 530-242-3178 or www.turtlebay.org/nursery
June 26 – Whitmore: Tuscan Heights Lavender Gardens Lavender Festival! 10 am – 5 pm, 5th Annual Lavender Gardens Celebration! 12757 Fern Road East , Whitmore. Great Food, Wine, Massage, Tuscan Tea Tasting, Lavender Wine Tasting, Lavender Oil Distillation demos, Lavender Crafting Classes, Gift Shop SALE and so much more! More info: www.tuscanheights.com
June 26 – Grass Valley: Master Gardeners of Placer and Nevada Counties – Creative Gardening for Kids- 4-8 years- Part 2 10:00am to Noon, Master Gardener Demonstration Garden – 1036 W. Main Street Grass Valley, CA 95945. For more info: (530) 273-0919 or http://ceplacernevada.ucdavis.edu
June 26 – Davis: UC Davis ArboretumGuided Tour: Roses of the Storer Garden Growing roses in the Central Valley doesn’t have to require lots of time or chemical sprays. Learn about roses that thrive in our climate, the best ways to grow roses in this area, and how to combine them with other perennial garden plants for a beautiful effect during a public tour of the rose collection at the UC Davis Arboretum on Saturday, June 26. The tour will meet at 11:00 a.m. at the Arboretum Gazebo, on Garrod Drive on the UC Davis campus. There is no charge for the tour, and free parking is available along Garrod Drive and in Visitor Lots 50 and 55. For more information, please call (530) 752-4880 or visit arboretum.ucdavis.edu.
June 27 – Chico: The Plant Barn – hyperturfa trough Workshop 2:00 pm. make your own “stone” trough, bowl or container, perfect for rustic looking containers! Materials fee will vary – and space is limited, so call or drop by the Plant Barn to reserve your space: 406 Entler Ave; 530-345-3121. www.theplantbarn.com
June 29 – Red Bluff: Red Bluff Garden Potluck Picnic Time and Location TBA. Library Design: TBA more info: www.redbluffgardenclub.com
Jewellgarden.com is proud to announce a brand new line of luscious little note cards – bite sized and ready to enjoy at local fine shops near you – see second paragraph of this post. As spring turns to summer and summer to fall, look for Edibles in the Garden blank journals, note cards featuring fruit and nuts and squash, and 2011 calendars. A portion of all sales of the Edibles in the Garden note cards goes to Slow Food Shasta Cascade and the many projects it supports. All of Jewellgarden.com’s cards are printed in Chico by Quadco printing using 100% recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. Yum.
Follow Jewellgarden.com/In a North State Garden on Facebook – become a fan today!
To submit plant/gardening related events/classes to the Jewellgarden.com on-line Calendar of Regional Gardening Events, send the pertinent information to me at: Jennifer@jewellgarden.com
Did you know I send out a weekly email with information about upcoming topics and gardening related events? If you would like to be added to the mailing list, send an email to Jennifer@jewellgarden.com.
In a North State Garden is a weekly Northstate Public Radio and web-based program celebrating the art, craft and science of home gardening in Northern California and made possible in part by the Gateway Science Museum – Exploring the Natural History of the North State and on the campus of CSU, Chico. In a North State Garden is conceived, written, photographed and hosted by Jennifer Jewell – all rights reserved jewellgarden.com. In A North State Garden airs on Northstate Public Radio Saturday mornings at 7:34 AM Pacific time and Sunday morning at 8:34 AM Pacific time. Podcasts of past shows are available here.
