May is upon us and everything’s coming up Roses (and poppies and strawberries and peonies and clematis and alliums and more) – even with the windy weather of late we are on the brink of summer and all that it entails: flowers, bugs, birds, heat.
This last week, in one of the handful of gardens I have the pleasure of playing in, gardening friends and I noticed a literal infestation of colorful, stripey horned caterpillars munching away on the soft pale green foliage of a bank of native California fuchsia. When I say infestation, I’m not exaggerating – after you spotted one caterpillar your eyes adjusted – the way they do and you saw hundreds of the happy creatures. I was not particularly worried as they didn’t appear to be doing any long-term damage to the plants, but I noted them and thought I should investigate a little more. I of course forgot this intention almost immediately as my attention was pulled in some other direction. But the very next day while working in this same garden, lo and behold the nearby population of European starlings had also noticed the buffet of caterpillars and they feasted for one afternoon. Mother nature’s balance was once again reestablished and there were not more than a few of the larval stage of some butterfly or moth left in place. A timely reminder, that if you just wait a bit – on purpose or not – things will take care of themselves one way or another.
Don’t get me wrong. There are some problems which are better not left to themselves, or ignored, granted. It’s the wisdom to know the difference – even in the garden – for which we strive.
Now is the time for planting heat-loving summer annuals, vegetables and herbs. Most varieties of basil, beans, beets, melons, chard, chicory, chive, cilantro corn, cucumber, dill, eggplant, fennel, okra, green onions, parsley, pepper, pumpkins, and summer squashes can be direct seeded now. Starts of tomatoes and peppers can be transplanted now – although we are meant to get another cool period this coming week in the North Valley, so waiting until after Mother’s Day will not set your crop back much. Don’t forget to feed (fish emulsion, or balanced organic vegetable-specific granular feed) and water new transplants and young seedlings.
For those of us in the higher elevations your average last frost dates are almost here, and you can still easily be planting your hardy perennials and shrubs. But in all regions of the north state, remember the later that you plant perennials, the less established they will be by the heat of summer, and the harder that heat will be on the plants, so the more you will have to water and care for them.
In gardening and in life, sometimes you have to do things even when the timing is not quite right.
Most of us are probably beginning to water more regularly. Spring’s unsettled weather is a good time to run through your irrigation, checking for leaks, and making sure all your plants are getting the water they need. It’s been a dry spring, so deep watering your trees and shrubs, giving everyone (especially summer blooming perennials) an organic, balanced spring feed is would be good now.
Deadheading and weeding are once again regular garden tasks.
Do you have student in grade 6 – 12 that enjoys taking photographs of the great outdoors? The Friends of the Chico State Herbarium is once again hosting their Spring Student Photo Contest and it’s a wonderful opportunity!
Here are the details: Spring Plant Photo Contest for 6th through 12th grade students. Display to be held during the Open House (12-4pm) May 17, 2013 in the Chico State Herbarium, CSU, Chico , Holt Hall Room 120. There is not fee for submission. Cash Prizes for First, Second and Third Place. Maximum of two entries per participant. All entries must be received by May 10. 2013. Submit photos in 8X10 format as both hardcopy and digital file (jpeg); and include a note with the title or subject, your name, grade level, school and contact information. Submit prints in person to the Gateway Science Museum Ticket Office OR by mail to: 2013 Plant Photo Contest, Chico State Herbarium, CSU, Chico, Chico, CA 95929-0515. Submit digital file and any questions to Paul at friendsoftheherbarium@gmail.com. Photos may not be returned and will be modified as needed for display purposes.
The May Calendar of regional gardening events is full of plenty for you to do, see, learn and enjoy – things really are looking rosy! The On-line Calendar of North State Gardening Events at jewellgarden.com adds events throughout the month. I do my very best to keep the calendar up-to-date and accurate, please confirm all events with the event host. If you have an event you would like listed, or if you are aware of a mistake on the calendar, please send all pertinent information to: Jennifer@jewellgarden.com. Thanks!
MAY
May 1 – MAY DAY!
May 1 – Chico: Gateway Science Museum hosts Butte & Glenn County Master Gardeners for the 3rd of 3 Sustainability Workshops on Planting Considerations for a Native Plant Pollinator and Phenology Garden 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Gateway Science Museum 625 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95929. Workshop #3: Happy May Day! Joins us as we present the Essential Elements & Ecology of a Healthy Habitat Garden. Workshops is free in the gardens. Museum admission is $3 for children/students and $6 for adults. More information: www.gatewayscience.org.
May 1 – Chico: Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society Regular Monthly meeting and Program: Treasures of Feather River Canyon with Botanists Linnea Hanson and Lawrence Janeway 7:30 pm Oroville Public Library, Oroville. For more information: http://mountlassen.cnps.org/
May 4 – Forest Ranch: Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve Naturalist Hike: Wildflower Identification Hike 9:00 am meet; Moderate hiker level. Join Robert Fisher for this hike, meant for the wildflower enthusiast of any skill level. Our goal is to learn a few new foothill plants, take photos, share any knowledge we have on the characteristics that separate our local species, and learn their common or Latin names. We will develop a sharper eye for plants, large and small, and a few of the details that separate them from each other. Bring your favorite identification book and a hand lens if you have one. Meet at 9:00 am at the park-n-ride; limited to 15 participants. Outing Fees: $5.00 per person except where indicated. Maximum Capacity: 15 participants unless otherwise indicated To sign up: Call (530) 898-5010. Strenuous outings are four to eight hour trips, often allowing groups to access the most remote areas of the BCCER and discover the hidden treasures few are able to experience. Hiking may be over difficult, steep terrain. Moderate outings are generally four hours or less, and may include descending into the Canyon on dirt roads and primitive hiking trails to access point of interest. Easy outings are generally less than four hours in duration, follow the easiest paths and roads of the reserve and may include extended periods of sitting and observation.Additional Info: Meeting Time/Place: Please see outing description for meeting time. All outings begin at the Chico Park-n-Ride (western most lot, closest to Hwy 99) at 9:00 am unless otherwise indicated. Participants will be met by the leader and are encouraged to carpool to the Reserve. Wear/Bring: Unless otherwise noted in the outing description participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes with lugged soles, long-pants, an over-shirt in case of cool evening weather, consider a hat or sun-screen (daytime outings) and bring a sack lunch or snack and water. Binoculars are helpful on most hikes. Mosquito repellant is advisable for evening outings.
May 4 – Mt. Shasta: Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens Workshop: SEED SAVING CLASS 10am – 12 pm. Free. Gardening Master, Wendy Crist will share the importance of seed saving. The history, scientific background and techniques for saving seed will be explored. Please Bring Your Own Chair. Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens, 1234 Nixon Rd, Mt Shasta CA. For more information: 530-926-2565; http://springhillnurseryandgardens.com/Spring_Hill_Nursery_and_Gardens/Welcome.html.
May 4 – Chico: Butte Environmental Council’s 34th Annual Endangered Species Fair 10am – 4pm, Cedar Grove Lower Bidwell Park. 2013 Procession of the Species: A Parade For Endangered Species. The Butte Environmental Council invites people of all ages — individuals, groups, community organizations, schools, families, churches, nonprofits, dance schools, music schools — to participate in a grand Procession of the Species. Although our emphasis is on endangered and extinct species, all species — animals, insects, plants, fungi — may be represented in the Processions of Species. Entries in the Procession can be very simple or complex, large or small, but the idea is to use imagination, creativity, and recycled materials for your chosen creation. The Procession is meant to be a joyous and uplifting celebration of the natural world, as well as a reminder of the threats to our environment. For more info: http://endangeredspeciesfaire.org
May 4 – Redding: McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay: Charlie Rabbit and His Friends 10:30 am. Join us the first Saturday of every month for an interactive program in the Gardens (or Greenhouse when it rains) for children, their siblings, parents and Grandparents. Join Charlie, our adorable jack rabbit puppet, in various gardening activities. Wear your favorite gardening clothes! Presented by Dennis and Sherrill Bambauer. Free with park admission! Meet at the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Office (1135 Arboretum Drive next to Nursery Greenhouse)
May 4 – Chico: St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church of Chico 30th Annual Garden Tour! 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature 5 unique gardens. Ticket cost is $25 in advance or $30 the day of the tour. Price includes 5 gardens, luncheon and a plant boutique. Garden locations and a map are printed on the tickets. Tickets are available at 11 Chico and Paradise locations. For more information, please contact St. John’s Episcopal Church at 894-1971, visit the church web-site: http://stjohnschico.org
May 4 – Chico: CSU, Chico AS Sustainability Free Compost Demonstration 11 – 12 noon, free one hour workshop. Compost Display area, located behind Yolo Hall, past the tennis courts along the railroad tracks. For more information contact AS Sustainability 530-898-6677 or as compost@csuchico.edu.
May 4 & 5 – Chico: Chico Bonsai Society Annual Spring Show 11 – 5 Saturday, 10 – 5 Sunday. CARD Center 545 Vallombrosa Ave Chico. Displays, Demonstrations, Plant Clinic, Plant Sales. Free admission, donations suggested/welcome. For more information: Pat Gilmore 530-343-3447
May 4 & 5 – Chico: Leo T. Clark Iris Society Floral Design Show 12 – 6 pm Saturday, 12 – 4 pm Sunday. Chico Mall. All entries are welcome as long as the iris is identified. Floral displays using any iris are also welcome. No charge to enter. Iris and arrangements must be brought in and placed between 7:00 and 9:45 AM on Saturday May 4th. To obtain the show catalog call 530-343-8247 or Marva Van Gilder at 370 7810.
May 4 & 5 – Redding: Shasta Iris Society Floral Design Show 12 – 6 pm Saturday, 12 – 4 pm Sunday. Mt. Shasta Mall Redding. For more information: jbfree@charter.net
May 4 & 5 – Davis: Center for Urban Horticulture Your Sustainable Backyard Series, ROSES an Eyeconic Weekend Rose sale 10AM-4PM Free tours of the UC Davis’ incredible 8 acre rose field between 12:30-3:30. Free informational programs to help you learn all about this classic garden plant from 11:00-4:00. Free mini floribunda roses will be handed out to the first 250 attendees! No registration required! May 4-5, 2013 10AM-4PM UC Davis Foundation Plant Services, 455 Hopkins Road, Davis, CA 95616 As a reminder the plant sale is cash/check only. I’ve attached the 2013 rose catalog here- lots of incredible color this year! Proceeds from the sale will benefit horticulture education through the CA Center for Urban Horticulture. It’s going to be a warm weekend so we would encourage you to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen/a hat – especially if you plan on enjoying the field tours. The event website can be found at http://ccuh.ucdavis.edu/events/rose2013/rose2013
May 5 – Chico: Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society FIELD TRIP: BUTTE CREEK BLM TRAIL BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT 9 am meet. Meet at Chico Park & Ride west lot (Hwys 32/99) at 9 am. Bring lunch, water sun/insect protection, hiking gear, and money for ride sharing. We will drive east on Hwy 32, 17.5 miles to Garland Rd and then 5 miles east to the trailhad near Butte Creek at about 2,000 feet elevation. This is an easy three mile round trip on an almost level trail. We follow a section of scenic Upper Butte Creek. The trail follows closely to the stream with wooden foot bridges, a steel stairway, winds through a narrow band of ripar- ian vegetation with a variety of flowering plants. A mixed coniferous forest extends up the canyon walls. There is evidence of historic mining activity. Leaders: Gerry Ingco 530-893-5123, Wes Dempsey 530-342-2293. For more information see website at mountlassen.cnps.org
May 5 – Chico: Chico Permaculture Guild celebrates International Permaculture Day with an Urban Permaculture Project Tour Tour #1: 10am – 12pm Tour #2: 2pm – 4pm Registration is required; please indicate which tour you wish to attend when registering. Space is limited to 20 people per tour so register today to ensure your spot! This event is free but donations are accepted to support the Chico Permaculture Guild and more events such as this one! No dogs or other animals, please. About the Tour: Gaia Creations owners and Chico Permaculture Guild co-founders, Stephanie and Brian Ladwig-Cooper are offering a Urban Permaculture Project Tour of their business project site; an urban 2/3 acre residential property that has been in development and succession since 2009. 3.5 years underway this property has been designed, implemented and managed utilizing the ethics and principles of permaculture. Tour participants will get a first glimpse of this property which has not been open to public until now. Brian and Stephanie will provide the designs, permaculture techniques and strategies they used for creating an evolving oasis on this urban piece of land. Site Elements and Systems Tour Attendees will Observe: From Swimming Pool To Aquaculture Pond, Rainwater Harvesting, Edible Forest Gardens, Perennial Polycultures, Coppice Tree System,Chicken Integrations. and more…Please join us for a day of learning and fun in solidarity with other permaculture activities around the world as we celebrate International Permaculture Day 2013!! For more information please contact Stephanie at 530-828-6390 or modcpg@gmail.com
May 8 – Davis: UC Davis Arboretum Walk with Warren – West End Gardens Noon, Gazebo, UC Davis Arboretum, UC Davis campus. Join Warren Roberts, the Superintendent Emeritus of the Arboretum, famous storyteller and punster for an always engaging noontime exploration of our the Arboretum’s west end gardens. Free one-hour parking is available along Garrod Drive during the week. Visitor lot parking costs $7 per day midweek. For more information, please call (530) 752-4880 or visit: http://arboretum75th.ucdavis.edu/walk-with-warren-west-end-gardens
May 8 – Chico: North Valley Orchid Society regular Member meeting & Program by Curtis Gean who will speak about native orchids 7:00 at the Butte County Library , 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico. Our speaker is Curtis Gean who will speak about native orchids. Curtis led our native orchid field trip in 2011 in Plumas County. His talk will be a great way to prepare for the 11th Annual Native Orchid Conference June10-13. (See the pdf that is being sent with this newsletter for more details.) Considering the long distance Curtis is traveling to our meeting can someone offer Curtis a place to stay that night? Please contact Tony if you want to host Curtis: tony.berk@yahoo.com. Tricia and Tony will bring refreshments.
May 10 – Anderson: Anderson Valley Garden Club Monthly Meeting and Program 12 noon, public welcome. Anderson Valley Garden Club meets the 2nd friday of each month at the Anderson City Hall Community Room unless otherwise stated. Meeting begins at noon. For more information call Nancy: 530-365-2014.
May 11 – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS Regular Field Trip: Anderson River Park Exploration. Anderson River Park is managed by the City of Anderson, yet most is owned by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife and includes a designated Natural Area. We’ll take 2 to 3 hours to explore some of the trails meandering through this 440-acre riparian and oak woodland habitat and see many typical riparian plants, including white alder, Fremont’s cottonwood, black walnut, box elder, Oregon ash, button willow, mugwort, and wild grape. There will be opportunities to discuss riparian ecology as well as see some great specimens: a landmark oak; a beautiful, large California buckeye; a very tall blue elderberry; and even a lace lichen, Ramalina menzesii, unknown to exist in Shasta County until recently. Our walk will include some rocky and gravelly trails, so wear sturdy hiking shoes. Bring plenty of water to drink, especially if it’s expected to be a very warm day. A plant list will be provided. The park is the perfect setting for a picnic lunch after our walk. Meet at Redding City Hall’s south parking lot on Parkview Avenue at 9 AM. No dogs, please. For more information, call Barbara Peck at 378-0354. For more info: www.shastacnps.org
May 11 – Chico: Friends of Chico State Herbarium Workshop: Poaceae I – Springtime Grasses of California Valleys and Foothills. Grasses dominate many California landscapes, yet their identification presents a challenge to beginner and experienced botanists alike. De- spite their prevalence and importance in ecology and agriculture, most general plant taxonomy courses barely touch on the subject. This workshop is designed to introduce participants to basics and some finer nuances of grass identification, using species commonly encountered during spring and early summer months in California’s Valley and Foothill Annual Grasslands. Annual and perennial, exotic and native species from upland and seasonal wetland habitats (including vernal pools) will be ad- dressed. Fresh and dried specimens from at least 25 genera will be provided. This workshop will be led by John Dittes, Califor- nia Botanist and Consultant. Beginners, as well as those more advanced wishing to brush up on their skills, are invited. Please bring forceps (tweezers), dis- secting needle, and a 6″ millimeter ruler. You are also invited to bring any grasses you may have been won- dering about. If possible, also bring a copy of The Jep- son Manual (we have several copies to loan to those who need them).The workshop will meet Saturday, May 11, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Holt Hall room 129 at CSU Chico. Registration is $100.00 personal, $125.00 business, $90.00 for members of Friends of the Herbarium, $40.00 student (only 2 seats available at the student price). Please register in advance; class size is limited to 16 participants, class cancelled with- out at least 8 participants. For more information about workshop content please contact John Dittes at jcdittes@sbcglobal.net or (530) 384-1774. For more information about registration please contact the Biol- ogy office at (530) 898-5356 or jbraden@csuchico.edu.
May 11 – Chico: CSU, Chico AS Sustainability Free Compost Demonstration 11 – 12 noon, free one hour workshop. Compost Display area, located behind Yolo Hall, past the tennis courts along the railroad tracks. For more information contact AS Sustainability 530-898-6677 or as compost@csuchico.edu.
May 11 – Redding: Wyntour Gardens Wire Basket Workshop 11 am. Join Ellen and learn to create a one-of-a-kind planted wire baskets using her unique lasagna method. Class is free but please call to reserve your spot. Wyntour Gardens, 8026 Airport Rd (1 mi. South of the Redding Airport, next to Kents Mkt). 530-365-2256/inform@wyntourgardens.com. www.wyntourgardens.com
May 11 – Davis: UC Davis Arboretum Guided Tour: Water-wise…and Colorful! 2:00-3:00 pm, Ruth Risdon Storer Garden, UC Davis Arboretum. A water-conserving garden can be full of flair. See what colors are popping in the Ruth Risdon Storer garden this spring. The event is free; parking is free on campus on the weekends. For more information, please call (530) 752-4880 or visit http://arboretum75th.ucdavis.edu/water-wise-and-colorful.
May 11 – Forest Ranch: Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve Naturalist Hike: Bat Night 6:30 pm meet; Moderate hiker level. Long the subject of myth and legend, bats are one of the world’s most amazing and misunderstood creatures. Shahroukh Mistry of Butte College is highly regarded as the region’s “Bat Man” and will help us develop a better understanding of these wonderfully unique animals. Included in the evening will be a discussion of the various species of bats that frequent the Ecological Reserve, the different habitat niches they prefer, their roosting preferences, bat netting and identification by vocalization. Lose your fear and learn to love bats! Meet at 6:30 pm at the park-n-ride; limited to 15 participants. Outing Fees: $5.00 per person except where indicated. Maximum Capacity: 15 participants unless otherwise indicated To sign up: Call (530) 898-5010. Strenuous outings are four to eight hour trips, often allowing groups to access the most remote areas of the BCCER and discover the hidden treasures few are able to experience. Hiking may be over difficult, steep terrain. Moderate outings are generally four hours or less, and may include descending into the Canyon on dirt roads and primitive hiking trails to access point of interest. Easy outings are generally less than four hours in duration, follow the easiest paths and roads of the reserve and may include extended periods of sitting and observation.Additional Info: Meeting Time/Place: Please see outing description for meeting time. All outings begin at the Chico Park-n-Ride (western most lot, closest to Hwy 99) at 9:00 am unless otherwise indicated. Participants will be met by the leader and are encouraged to carpool to the Reserve. Wear/Bring: Unless otherwise noted in the outing description participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes with lugged soles, long-pants, an over-shirt in case of cool evening weather, consider a hat or sun-screen (daytime outings) and bring a sack lunch or snack and water. Binoculars are helpful on most hikes. Mosquito repellant is advisable for evening outings.
May 12 – Chico: Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society FIELD TRIP: TEN-MILE HOUSE TRAIL & GUARDIAN’S TRAIL LOOP UPPER BIDWELL PARK 9:30 am meet. Meet at Chico Park & Ride west lot (Hwys 32/99) at 9:30 am. Bring lunch, water sun/insect protection, hiking gear, and money for ride sharing. We will drive east 9 miles on Hwy 32 to the Green Gate Trail head. We will follow an historic wagon road a short distance to the Guardian’s Trail and follow it on a level grade, 1.6 miles sw, then we go down the steep Bloody Pin Trail 0.9 mile, follow the level Anne Bidwell Trail north 1 mile on the level. We reach the Ten Mile House Rd and follow it up a steep grade climbing about 700 feet in elevation gain in 1 mile to return to the Green Gate Trail. On the way we will have walked past buckeye and black oak in flower. We shall stop at a spring where an old homestead once stood. Because we will have traversed a variety of vegetative habitats, we should see a diverse selection of flowering plants and shrubs. Total miles 4.7 miles. Not recomended for children. Leaders: Gerry Ingco 530-893-5123, Wes Dempsey 530-342-2293 For more information see website at mountlassen.cnps.org
May 12 – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS Regular Annual Mother’s Day Wildflower Show:20th Annual Mother’s Day Wildflower Show. Sponsored by Shasta Chapter CNPS and Klamath National Forest. Hundreds of native plants and wildflowers will be on display at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds in Yreka (Highway 3 exit off of I-5). This is a fantastic (and free!) display and a special place to take Mom. 10 AM to 4 PM. If you would like to volunteer to help with the exhibit (Saturday or Sunday), or sell books and posters, please contact Marla Knight at 841-4425 or Jay & Terri Thesken at 221-0906. (See article, page 3.) As an aside, there will also be a Home & Garden Show running concurrently at the Fairgrounds on Sunday. For more info: www.shastacnps.org
May 13 – Paradise: Paradise Garden Club General Monthly Member Meeting & Program by Anne Barrett “The Seeds of Seed Saving” 12:30 am. Program begins at 1 pm. General Membership Meeting follows program. Plant Sale, Benefit Drawing, Refreshments. Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway, Paradise. For more info: http://www.paradisegardenclub.org/calendar.html
May 15 – Chico: Chico Horticultural Society Monthly Meeting and Program Ask the Gardener expert panel and Penny Pines Reforestation Program 9:30 – 10 am social time, 10 am program. 11 – 12 pm business meeting. Chico Library. Public welcome!
May 15 – Redding: Shasta Rose Society Monthly Member Meeting & Program The Society meets each month, with the exception of July, August and December, on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at Building 4, Room 401 at City of Redding Corporation Yard, 2055 Viking Way, Red- ding, California. The meetings are held for the purpose of presenting an educational program. Admission is free to the general public. For more information: http://shastarosesociety.org/Shasta_Rose_Society/Home.html
May 16 – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS Regular monthly meeting & program CNPS Rare Plant Botanist Aaron Sims for a presentation entitled New Discoveries, Ongoing Conundrums, and Forgotten Past: Reviewing the Rarity Status of Northern California Plants. 7 – 9 pm. The talk will focus on CNPS’s Rare Plant Program and will include a slideshow of rare plants in the Shasta Chapter’s region. Aaron has a degree in Ecology and Systematic Biology, with an emphasis in Botany, from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He has been employed by the California State Parks, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and an environmental consulting firm, and has carried out numerous rare plant and natural community surveys, biological monitoring, and fieldwork, as well as sensitive animal surveys. Aaron now directs and manages the CNPS Rare Plant Program, and updates and maintains the CNPS Inventory of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants of California. Meet at 7 PM at the Shasta College Health Science & University Programs building in downtown Redding, 1400 Market Street, Community Room 8220 (clock tower building at the north end of the Market Street Promenade; enter on south side of building). A Board meeting will be held before the regular meeting, at 5:30 PM at Angelo’s Pizza Parlour in the Foundry Square, 1774 California Street, Redding. For more info: www.shastacnps.org
May 18 – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS Regular Field Trip: Mary Lake Native Plant Identification Walk. This will be an easy one- to two-hour walk around the one-mile Mary Lake Trail. Walk leader David Ledger will identify the native plants along the trail and explain their unique features and families. This is a paved trail and is wheelchair friendly. A plant list will be given to participants. Meet at the junction of Mary Lake Drive and Lakeside Drive at 9:30 AM. No dogs, please. For more information, call David at 355-8542. For more info: www.shastacnps.org
May 18 – Davis: UC Davis Arboretum Spring Public Plant CLEARANCE Sale 9 am – 1 pm. These sales are open to the public. Members save 10% off their purchases. Become a new member at the sales to receive 10% off your purchases AND an additional $10-off coupon! At this sale you’ll have access to the area’s largest selection of attractive, low-water, easy-care, region-appropriate plants including Arboretum All-Stars. All sales are held at the Arboretum Teaching Nursery, Garrod Drive, UC Davis. Experienced gardeners will be on hand to help you choose the best plants for your garden design and conditions. The event is free; parking is free on the weekends and available in Visitor Lot 5, at Old Davis Road and Arboretum Drive. For more information, please call (530) 752-4880 or visit arboretum.ucdavis.edu.
May 18 – Chico: Butte Rose Society Regular Annual Rose Garden Tour Public Welcome to join the day of! Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Butte-Rose-Society/189382585776 Or contact us by US Mail at: Butte Rose Society, P. O. Box 8888, Chico, CA 95927For more info: http://www.butte-rosesociety.org
May 18 – Mt. Shasta: Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens Workshop: GARDENING WITH PERENNIALS 10am – 12 pm. Free. Nursery Owner Katie Jessup shares her wisdom and practical care of perennial flowers, shrubs and ornamental trees. Please Bring Your Own Chair. Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens, 1234 Nixon Rd, Mt Shasta CA. For more information: 530-926-2565; http://springhillnurseryandgardens.com/Spring_Hill_Nursery_and_Gardens/Welcome.html.
May 18 – Redding: McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay: TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR MICRO/DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Now’s the time to find out all you need to know about troubleshooting your, low-water usage, manual and automatic micro (drip) – irrigation systems. Join Turtle Bay’s Senior Horticulturist Linda Russo as she demonstrates and discusses the repairs and maintenance of your simple micro (drip) system with emitters, microsprayers, and all the basic necessary components for any micro-irrigation system. FREE for Members, $3 for nonmembers. Meet at the Arboretum & Botanical Garden’s Office (1135 Arboretum Drive next to Nursery Greenhouse)For more info: http://www.turtlebay.org
May 18 – Fair Oaks: Fair Oaks Horticulture Center and Sacramento Master Gardeners Workshop 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. Learn techniques for managing pest insects, diseases and weeds that may be active at this time of year in your landscape. Find out how to easily attract beneficial insects to your garden. For more information: http://ucanr.org/sites/sacmg/Fair_Oaks_Horticulture_Center/Workshop_Schedule/
May 19 – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS Regular Plant Propagation Session 10 am. We have lots of propagation and separating of plants to do in order to get our plant selection ready for the Fall Plant Sale! Two-hour work session starting at 10 AM at the Shasta College greenhouses. The greenhouses are located at the back of Shasta College, near the livestock barns. Please call Jay & Terri Thesken at 221-0906 for further information. For more info: www.shastacnps.org
May 19 – Davis: UC Davis Arboretum Bugtopia 2.0: Discover Everyday Insects 1 pm – 3 pm, UC Davis Arboretum Gazebo, UC Davis campus. Learn about the hidden insect wonders of the Arboretum from Arboretum Ambassadors Melissa Cruz and Mira Parekh. Tour the collections and learn insect names, trapping methods, and ecology. The event is free; parking is free on campus on the weekends. For more information, please call (530) 752-4880 or visit: http://arboretum75th.ucdavis.edu/bugtopia-2-0-discover-everyday-insects.
May 25 – FULL MOON
May 25 – Redding: Wyntour Gardens Anderson Valley/Cottonwood Garden Clubs Annual Flower Show Wyntour is excited to host this fun event. For more information please call Carolyn H. 547-5118. Wyntour Gardens, 8026 Airport Rd (1 mi. South of the Redding Airport, next to Kents Mkt). 530-365-2256/inform@wyntourgardens.com. www.wyntourgardens.com
May 25 – Mt. Shasta: Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens Workshop: ROSES – CARE, PRUNING & PLANTING 10am – 12 pm. Free. Nursery Owner Katie Jessup offers a demonstration for rose care including how and what to prune and how to plant and feed roses for health and prolific blooming. Please Bring Your Own Chair. Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens, 1234 Nixon Rd, Mt Shasta CA. For more information: 530-926-2565; http://springhillnurseryandgardens.com/Spring_Hill_Nursery_and_Gardens/Welcome.html.
May 25 – Redding: McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay: Walk with Horticultural Manager Lisa Endicott 10:30 am. Bring your notebooks and camera! We’ll make our way through the Gardens with frequent stops for discussions about (what else?) plants! 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.
May 25 – Forest Ranch: Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve Naturalist Hike: Moth Night 6:30 pm meet; Moderate hiker level. Moths are generally more active at night and are therefore less well-known to us than their daytime counterparts the butterflies. Join Chico State entomologist, Dr. Don Miller, in an exciting evening of moth baiting, observing, identifying and collecting. Participants will assist with the set-up of moth-attracting lights in three different habitat types on the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. As the evening darkens and moths are lured to the lights, we will discuss diagnostic field marks of each and keep a list of species and numbers observed. Moth Night is part of a national effort to develop an annual moth survey throughout the country. Families with well-supervised children encouraged, not appropriate for children under 6. Meet at 6:30 at the park-n-ride; limited to 15 participants. Outing Fees: $5.00 per person except where indicated. Maximum Capacity: 15 participants unless otherwise indicated To sign up: Call (530) 898-5010. Strenuous outings are four to eight hour trips, often allowing groups to access the most remote areas of the BCCER and discover the hidden treasures few are able to experience. Hiking may be over difficult, steep terrain. Moderate outings are generally four hours or less, and may include descending into the Canyon on dirt roads and primitive hiking trails to access point of interest. Easy outings are generally less than four hours in duration, follow the easiest paths and roads of the reserve and may include extended periods of sitting and observation.Additional Info: Meeting Time/Place: Please see outing description for meeting time. All outings begin at the Chico Park-n-Ride (western most lot, closest to Hwy 99) at 9:00 am unless otherwise indicated. Participants will be met by the leader and are encouraged to carpool to the Reserve. Wear/Bring: Unless otherwise noted in the outing description participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes with lugged soles, long-pants, an over-shirt in case of cool evening weather, consider a hat or sun-screen (daytime outings) and bring a sack lunch or snack and water. Binoculars are helpful on most hikes. Mosquito repellant is advisable for evening outings.
May 26 – Chico: Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society FIELD TRIP: BUTTERFLY VALLEY BOTANICAL AREA PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST 8 am meet. Meet at Chico Park & Ride west lot (Hwys 32/99) at 8 am. Bring lunch, water, sun/insect protection, wear shoes appropriate for a bog. Take money for ride sharing. We will drive northeast on Hwy 70 about 84 miles near the town of Quincy CA. Butterfly Valley, elev 3,590–3,800 ft, was designated a protected botanical area due to its diversity of plant life. The area is a home of the rare insect captur- ing pitcher plant, Darlingtonia, which only grows in limited and scattered bog habitats. We will visit several locations in the area, each offer something different and unique in plant life. We will have lunch on a nearby open timbered flat where the forest floor is carpeted with large clumps of bear-grass. It was used for many purposes by Native Americans. Learn about Butterfly Valleys rich and colorful history. There will be no extended trail walking. Leaders: Gerry Ingco 530-893-5123, Wes Dempsey 530-342-2293. For more information see website at mountlassen.cnps.org
May 28 – Chico: Butte Rose Society Regular Monthly Meeting and Program 7 pm Public Welcome! At the Chico Veterans Memorial Hall on 554 Rio Lindo Ave in Chico, California. Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Butte-Rose-Society/189382585776 Or contact us by US Mail at: Butte Rose Society, P. O. Box 8888, Chico, CA 95927For more info: http://www.butte-rosesociety.org
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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. It is 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.
