Our very mild winter and early warm temperatures, with little precipitation, have brought us to what feels like an early burst of life and color in the garden this year some of my garden plants – roses and salvias for example seem close to a full month early. With the urban world in bloom and the wildlands already beginning to dry for summer – there is much related motion. Grasshoppers, birds and butterflies are on the move to cooler temperatures and more food in their summer territories.
PHOTO: A tiny egg casing after the new caterpillar has hatched. According to Monarchwatch.org “Monarch butterfly eggs are somewhat difficult to find in the wild. Since it only takes 3-5 days for eggs to hatch, timing is crucial. The best sign is to watch for adult Monarchs stopping at milkweed plants. A female will usually lay only one egg per milkweed plant to ensure enough food for each larva.”
In the last weeks, the seasonal migration north of the Painted lady butterflies has gotten underway and pipevine swallowtails are emerging from their chrysalides, which were tucked away since last fall. Alerted to the activity by a young student Bowen Jiang, I recently watched a monarch in a friends’ garden circle and circle the large area searching for its destination – the beginning shoots of showy milkweed – in order to lay its eggs. Milkweed species are the only food source for the monarch larva, and once it finds the plants, the female butterfly lays 1 perfect white ribbed cone of an egg at a time in a precise and determined process. After watching her work, the next day we hunted for eggs and found many of the tiny white protuberances on the tops and bottoms and in the creases of the emerging fuzzy silver green leaves. An observer might wonder if there will be enough foliage for all of those eggs to eat when they hatch in just 3 – 5 days as it’s looking a bit sparse just now.
PHOTO: A tiny monarch caterpillar beginning its journey with a good meal of fresh milkweed leaves. The bitter milky sap of the milkweed makes the caterpillars taste strongly bitter as well and helps protect them from bird predation.
But wait – and watch. Milkweed is vigorous and fast growing – shoots are coming up in great abundance and have spread far and wide in a short time. Nature has a way of constantly working to balance supply and demand and ultimately getting timing down pretty well. In general, the coordination of growth of the food and growth of the hungry is pretty awe-inspiring.
PHOTO: A mature monarch on Salvia in late April.
Gives a person hope for balance, timing and coordination being pretty much right on schedule in most realms – no matter how out of synch it might feel in some individually uncomfortable moments. Watch and wait. Things have a way of working.
In the edible garden, winter crops are finishing – spring crops are at their peak; summer crops are busting out of pots in greenhouses across the region – eager to get into the ground.
Happy spring Russian red kale seedlings from Redwood Seeds in Manton.
Perennials are poking up and leafing out – early bloomers are turning over the stage to the next in line.
Light through an opaque, young tomato leaf.
Take the time now to keep your weeds under control if you get to them before they flower, you won’t have to do it twice.
With Spring come her minions – aphids, wind and snakes included. Be patient – they will all subside into a more manageable balance soon.
Pacific tree frog Table Mountain, Oroville.
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MARCH 2015
March 28- Paradise: Paradise Grange hosts Vermiculture Workshop with Ward Habriel 11 am. $10. 5704 Chapel Dr. Paradise, CA 95969 (530) 873-1370
March 28 – Davis: UC Davis Arboretum Spring Surprises in the Storer Garden 11 a.m., UC Davis Arboretum Gazebo, UC Davis Campus Our valley-wise demonstration garden, the Ruth Risdon Storer Garden, is beautiful year round, but especially in spring. Just in time for our first public plant sale of the spring season on April 11, you can come get great ideas for your own water-thrifty garden. The event is free;free parking is available in the Davis Commons Shopping Center. The event is free;free parking is available in nearby Visitor Parking Lot 5. For more information and directions, please call (530) 752-4880 or visit http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/calendar.aspx.
March 28 – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS FIELD TRIP: Dye Creek Preserve This hike is on the 37,000-acre Dye Creek Preserve in Tehama County just south of Red Bluff in the foothills of the east valley, on property that is a part of The Nature Conservancy’s protected lands. We will hike up the trail in the wide Dye Creek Canyon cut out of basalt rock, with high mesas above the trail, to a large wide natural cave once used by Native Americans for shelter. This is a very unique area with many different wildflowers, trees, and shrubs. The lower part of Dye Creek Preserve is a working cattle ranch, but livestock are kept out of Dye Creek Canyon. Reserve a space for this unforgettable hike as it is limited to 25 people and you must sign a liability waiver for The Nature Conservancy and CNPS, and provide a valid emergency phone number. Meet at the Mt. Shasta Mall parking lot near Chase Bank at 8 AM. For more information, call David Ledger at 530/355-8542. For more info: http://www.shastacnps.org
March 28 – 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.
March 28 – Oroville: Oroville AAFCC Community Garden Workshop Series: SOIL 10:00 AM. 2733 Wyandotte, Southside, Oroville. Determine what type of soil you have and how to improve it with organic matter. Discussion of soil PH and soil testing, and how to make corrections so your plants will thrive. Also, demonstrations of “double –digging” to easily improve your garden soil and then hands-on practice. For more information: http://ucanr.edu/sites/bcmg/events/
March 28 – Chico: Butte County Master Gardener Spring Workshop Series at Patrick Ranch Demonstration Garden: DRIP IRRIGATION 10 – 11:30 am. Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, Durham. Learn how to design a drip irrigation system, whether you are starting from scratch or converting an old PVC system to drip. If you are watering with a hose you can still use drip. Come to this workshop to learn about the many choices available to you. For more info: call 530- 538-7201 or visit http://ucanr.edu/sites/bcmg/events/
March 29 – Chico: Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society Field Trip: Divide Ranch Walk and Bear Valley 9:00 AM. Divide Ranch Walk, Glen Co. & Bear Valley Drive, Colusa Co. Meet at Chico Park & Ride west lot (Hwys 32/99). Leader: Woody Elliott, 530-588-2555, email: woodyelliott@gmail.com. For more info:http://mountlassen.cnps.org
March 29 – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS Second Plant Propagation Session for March. 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. We anticipate a lot of weeding and potting-up of rooted cuttings in preparation for the April 16–18 Spring Plant Sale. Please call Jay & Terri Thesken at 530/221-0906 for further information. For more info: http://www.shastacnps.org
March 29 – Chico: Chico Permaculture Guild Energy Efficient Design Using Zones & Sectors 11 am – 3 pm. Register here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/energy-efficient-design-using-zones-and-sectors-registration-16076479182 This is a Hands-on Workshop focused on the permaculture design process and directly relating to our Chico Permaculture Guild March monthly gathering topic, Map and Analyze Zones and Sectors. You don’t need to have attended the gathering though it will help you better understand the activities of the workshop. [CPG March Gathering: https://www.facebook.com/events/377759079075228/] We will go into detail on how to analyze the zones and sectors of a new area of Anne and Robert’s property in Oroville. We will walk the property and talk about how to design with slope in mind as we learn about the different sectors of Anne and Roberts property and how they mapped them out. You’ll learn how to analyze the function/characteristics of specific elements (using examples such as rabbits and oak trees) then how to find the most appropriate functional connections between different elements before placing them into their respective zones. We will do a fun random assembly activity that will help fully open up our brains to all kinds of possibilities when placing the desired elements. As a final design exercise you will be given a wish list of elements (animals, aquaponics, gardens etc.) that you will need to then analyze and place into a design of your own during the workshop. You’ll go home with a better understanding of the importance of zones and a practical application of how to create a sector map; this hands-on skill building workshop will lead you further down the road toward creating a final permaculture design for your own site. This is a FREE event. WHAT TO BRING: Paper for notes, pens/pencils, hat, sturdy shoes and water. This is a potluck so please bring a dish to share and your own utensils if you wish. For more information contact Stephanie at modcpg@gmail.com or 530-828-6390.
March 29 – Chico: GATEWAY SCIENCE MUSEUM Garden Science Sunday activity: Hummingbird Habits 1 – 3 pm. Drop in to Gateway’s Native Plant Garden to go on a journey exploring the migration, eating, and nesting habits of our favorite garden hummingbirds. Try your hand (or beak) at drinking from a tubular flower or making a sturdy little nest from twigs, lichen and spider webs. Free with regular admission. Gateway Science Museum is open 12 – 5, Wednesday – Sunday. Adults $6, Children under 18 and students with ID $3. Children under 2 FREE.
APRIL 2015
April 1 – Chico: Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society Member Monthly Meeting: Linnea Hanson “An Overview of Fens in California National Forests” 7:30 PM. Linnea Hanson, Plumas National Forest Botanist (Retired). Fens of California: An Overview of Fens in California National Forests. At: Chico Branch County Library, 1st & Sherman Ave. Chico. For more info:http://mountlassen.cnps.org
April 3 & 4 – Redding: McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay: Annual Spring Plant Sale Friday, April 3rd 5:00-8:00pm, Turtle Bay Members Night Event (Memberships available at the gate). Saturday, April 4th 9:00am-3:00pm, General Public Sale. Our ever-popular, heirloom vegetables are a main feature of the spring plant sale – and they sell out fast! In addition, we have available an enormous stock of unusual, drought-tolerant, and hard-to-find perennials, shrubs, and trees, as well as California native plants and a wide variety of sought after ornamental grasses, all grown here in our Nursery and acclimated to Redding’s vigorous climatic conditions. Sale includes a 20% discount for the public, and a 30% discount for Turtle Bay members.. FREE admission into the Gardens. Arboretum & Gardens Nursery 1100 Arboretum Drive (Next to Greenhouse in Nursery) Take N. Market Street, turn on Arboretum Drive. Take the right fork. Nursery on immediate left.
April 4 – FULL MOON (Lunar Eclipse)
April 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)
April 4 – Mt. Shasta: Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens WORKSHOP Efficient Irrigation 4 Water Conservation with Rick Meyer 10 am – 12 noon. Workshops are free and open to public. Please bring your own chair! Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens, 1234 Nixon Rd, Mt Shasta CA 530-926-2565.
April 4 – Redding: Wyntour Gardens: Kids Easter Basket Planting Party 10 am to 12 noon. Plant a basket of pansies to take home free! 8026 Airport Road – Redding, CA. 96002 – 530-365-2256 – Email Us: inform@wyntourgarden.com. Hours of Operation: Monday thru Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sundays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
April 4 & 11- Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS Wildflower Identification Workshop. Learn to identify wildflowers, shrubs, and trees by the plant-family method. Learning by plant families shortens the time needed to identify wildflowers. The Shasta Chapter is offering two workshops on consecutive Saturdays. Each day will include two hours of “classroom” study, during which basic flower, leaf, and stem structure will be explained. Students will learn the features of eight plant families by examining fresh wildflowers in class. Families covered over the two weeks will include the mustard, mint, pea, sunflower, parsley, rose, buttercup, and lily families. This is a free event, but you’ll need to bring a magnifying lens. Classes will run from 9–11 AM and are held at Holiday Market on Placer Street, Redding. An optional fieldtrip will be held on April 12. Class size is limited to 20 so you must pre-register. To reserve a space or for more information, call David Ledger at 530/355-8542. For more info: http://www.shastacnps.org
April 5 (Easter Sunday) – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS FIELD TRIP: Clikapudi Trail. Join Jay & Terri Thesken for a wildflower walk on the Clikapudi Trail at Lake Shasta in the Jones Valley area. This is a moderate, 7-mile hike at about the 1,300-foot elevation, with a total elevation gain of 500 feet. Come prepared for a 4- to 5-hour hike on rocky, varied terrain by bringing adequate hiking boots, water, and lunch. Views of the Pit River arm of Shasta Lake, Clikapudi Bay and Creek, foothill oak woodlands, and, hopefully, hillsides of spring wildflowers should keep us entertained! Come and see how the area has nicely recovered from the October 1999 Jones Valley Fire. Meet at the Mt. Shasta Mall near Chase Bank at 8 AM. No dogs, please. Please call Jay & Terri Thesken at 530/221-0906 for details.For more info: http://www.shastacnps.org
April 8 – Davis: UC Davis Arboretum Walk With Warren Noon, Arboretum Gazebo Join our Superintendent Emeritus Warren Roberts–famous storyteller and punster–for an always engaging noontime exploration of the UC Davis Arboretum’s West-end gardens. For more information and directions, please call (530) 752-4880 or visit http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/calendar.aspx.
April 11 – Chico: Friends of the Chico State Herbarium Workshop: Plant Families in the Garden and in the Wild 9 am – 4 pm. Presented by Linnea Hanson and Emily Meigs Doe. Have you ever wondered how plants are grouped into families? Every plant family is defined by a set of visible charac- teristics, which can be easily learned. Once you can train your eyes to recognize family traits, it will forever change the way you look at plants! You will more easily identify the plants you are interested in. Many plant families have representatives from both our gardens and native flora in the wild. Knowledge of plant families can help you to identify plants wherever you are, be it in a landscape, garden, or in the wild. In this class, we will introduce some of the most com- mon plant families and their key characteristics. Live plants and Herbarium specimens will be used to clearly illumi- nate these key traits. Tools for identification of different plants will be introduced. The latter part of the day will be spent on a plant walk, using our new skills to recognize plant families and identify plants. This workshop will meet on Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 9:00am to 4:00pm in Holt Hall room 129 at CSU, Chico. The plant walk will be on the CSU Chico Campus. You may bring a hand lens and any plant identification books you may want to use. Inexpensive hand lenses and Peterson Field Guides will available for purchase at the workshop. A lunch break will be taken at noon, bring a lunch or walk to get food nearby. The registration is $40 personal, $35 for stu- dents and members of Friends of the Herbarium. Please register in advance; class size limited to 20 people. For more information about this workshop content please email Linnea Hanson at linneachanson@gmail.com or Emily Meigs Doe at edoe@csuchico.edu. For more information or help with workshop registration please contact Emily Purvis in the CSU Chico Biology Office at 530-898-5356 or epurvis@csuchico.edu. For more information: http://www.csuchico.edu/biol/Herb/Events.html
April 11 – Oroville: Oroville AAFCC Community Garden Workshop Series: STARTING YOUR SPRING GARDEN 10:00 AM. 2733 Wyandotte, Southside, Oroville. Discussion of difference between cool and warm season vegetables, when to start seeds inside and when to direct sow. A plant guide will be provided specific to the Oroville area. For registration and more information: http://ucanr.edu/sites/bcmg/events/
April 11 – Los Molinos: Nature Conservancy Tours of Dye Creek Canyon 9am – 2 pm. The five-mile hike follows the course of Dye Creek itself, which cuts through a pristine setting of volcanic buttes, hills and extensive blue oak woodlands, before flowing into the Sacramento River. Expect spectacular views, spring flowers and occasional wildlife sightings, such as deer, golden eagles and peregrine falcons (binoculars enhance the experience). You’ll also have a rare opportunity to explore a cave thought to be frequented by Ishi, the last survivor of the Yahi Indian Tribe. This hike is rigorous; high-top hiking boots and plenty of water are a MUST! Please note: A good level of fitness and agility is required to complete the hike. Hikers will have to traverse a creek and navigate steep, rocky terrain. Dogs are not allowed during these events. All events are held rain or shine, with the exception of a serious downpour. Sturdy footwear/hiking boots are a requirement. The weather may be hot, or humid and wet, so wear layered clothing, and bring waterproof clothing and a hat. Carry plenty of drinking water, and bring a lunch. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Space is limited to 25 persons, so visitors are advised to book early. To book a reservation or receive more information, contact Jackson Shedd of The Nature Conservancy at (760) 707-6942 or jshedd@tnc.org (e-mail preferred).
April 11 – Chico: Butte County Master Gardener Spring Workshop Series at Patrick Ranch Demonstration Garden: BUILD A COMPOST BIN 10 – 11:30 am. Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, Durham. You know the benefits of composting, but have you practiced this at your home? Perhaps all you need to get started is having a compost bin. Come to this workshop and build an easy compost bin to take home with you so you won’t have any more excuses. We will also review how to get started using the compost bin. Reservations required and there will be a materials fee of $30 for the workshop.** For more info or reservations: call 530- 538-7201 or visit http://ucanr.edu/sites/bcmg/events/
April 11 – Davis: UC Davis ArboretumPLANT SALES for the NEW FRONT YARD 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., UC Davis Arboretum Teaching Nursery (Garrod Drive near La Rue Road, across from Vet Med), UC Davis campus. We know that many homeowners out there are in the process of developing their “New Front Yard” by replacing high-water use plants with low-water alternatives. That’s why at our spring sales are going to have the area’s largest selection of attractive, drought-tolerant, easy-care, region-appropriate plants including California natives and Arboretum All-Stars. These plant sales are open to the public, but members receive 10% off their purchases; new members receive an additional $10 off as a thank you for joining. Not a member? Call ahead or join at the door. The benefits of membership far outweigh your cost! For more information on the benefits of membership visit: http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/join_the_friends.aspx. The event is free; parking is free and available in nearby parking lots. For more information and directions, visit http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/calendar.aspx or call (530) 752-4880. to Support the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden.
April 11 – Mt. Shasta: Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens WORKSHOP Shrub and Perennial Pruning with Sarah Alexander 10 am – 12 noon. Workshops are free and open to public. Please bring your own chair! Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens, 1234 Nixon Rd, Mt Shasta CA 530-926-2565.
April 11 – Redding: Wyntour Gardens: 23rd Anniversary Celebration All day – come celebrate with us. Classes, specials and goodies! 8026 Airport Road – Redding, CA. 96002 – 530-365-2256 – Email Us: inform@wyntourgarden.com. Hours of Operation: Monday thru Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sundays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
April 12 – Chico: Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society ANNUAL WILDFLOWER SHOW 12 pm – 5 pm. Wildflower Display, Native Plant Sale. Learn about Plant Communities, Plant pests and growing natives. CARD Community Center 545 Vallombrosa Ave. Chico. Entry Donation Requested. For more information: 530-588-2555, woodyelliott@gmail.com. OR: http://mountlassen.cnps.org
April 12 – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS FIELD TRIP: Clear Creek Vista Trail at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This is an easy four-mile walk through riparian, black oak woodland, and chaparral habitats on a trail above Clear Creek. The changing aspect of the trail presents a diversity of plant species. Possible flowers blooming: Shelton’s violet, pipevine, Pacific snakeroot, Pacific hound’s-tongue, spicebush, and snowdrop. Most of the walk is level; however, there is about a 350-foot elevation climb. This walk will emphasize identifying plants by plant family. A plant list will be provided to participants. Meet in the south parking lot behind Redding City Hall on Parkview Avenue at 1 PM. No dogs, please. For more information, call David Ledger at 530/355-8542. For more info: http://www.shastacnps.org
April 12 – Chico: Perm a Fun K Permaculture Hands On Workshop: Mandala Gardens Intensive Gardening Techniques 10 am – 4 pm. $40 for non-members, $30 for members. Hands-on activities: you will create a none dig mandala garden, using companion planting, integrating tree guilds & setting low water irrigation systems. All in a small intensive design that would open up your food production in a very small area. We recommend having a big breakfast before the class as it is a very physical day. Bring your own lunch & note book. 305 West Lindo Ave ( Community Garden ) Chico. During this day you will learn about companion planting, guilds, low water usage techniques & how to read your specific landscape, making it into the most productive food, flower & herb zones. We will learn how to build none dig gardens, mandala gardens, vertical gardens, pallet gardens and so much more. All these activities will be directly implementing a REAL PERMACULTURE DESIGN for this property. We have hand outs for this class with some easy to follow steps on making these gardens, companion planting list, soil nutrients… Previous registration required to get these hand outs. For more info: http://www.perma-fun-k.com/hands-on-workshops-2015.html
April 13 – Paradise: Paradise Garden Club Monthly Member Meeting and Program Second Monday of the Month. GENERAL MEETING & POTLUCK where: Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway, Paradise When: 11:45 PM Program: Begins 1:00 PM. Speaker and topic: TBA. Check back here or see our newsletter, The Watercan Post, for up-to-date info. Bring a favorite dish to share along with your own table service. General Membership Meeting follows program. For more info: http://www.paradisegardenclub.org/PDFs/2015_03_PGCI_Newsletter.pdf
April 14 – Chico: Chico Seed Lending Library – Lettuce Get Together 5:30 – 7:30 at the Butte County Library conference room in Chico. We’ve moved our work parties to the meeting room for more space and optional potlucks! For more Info: https://www.facebook.com/ChicoSLL
April 15 – Fair Oaks: Fair Oaks Horticultural Center OPEN GARDEN 9 am – 12 noon. Plan a mid-week visit to the gardens. Talk with Master Gardeners as they thin grape shoots and orchard fruit. Learn how to prepare raised vegetable beds for summer planting and how herbs enhance a water efficient landscape. Take a mini-tour in the water efficient landscape gardens. http://ucanr.edu/sites/sacmg/Fair_Oaks_Horticulture_Center/Workshop_Schedule/
April 15 – Chico: Butte County Master Gardener Spring Workshop Series at Patrick Ranch Demonstration Garden: BACKYARD BEES 10 – 11 am. Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, Durham. Find out how to attract more honeybees to your yard, learn about the different types of bees, amazing facts about bees, where to buy bees, and if you are interested, how to manage a hive. Reservations required. For more info or reservations: call 530- 538-7201 or visit http://ucanr.edu/sites/bcmg/events/
April 15 – Redding: Shasta Rose Society Monthly Member Meeting and Rose Program 7 pm. Monthly Chapter meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at the City of Redding Corporation Yard 20055 Viking Way, Building 4, room 401. Meetings are held for the purpose of presenting an educational Rose program by an authority on roses and their cultivation. Meetings ARE open to the public. For more information: http://www.shastarosesociety.org/Shasta_Rose_Society/Home.html
April 16 – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS Chapter Meeting. Ted Dawson, local Native American herbalist, will share his extensive knowledge of traditional medicine with us. It was Ted’s Nor-Rel-Muk Wintu grandmother who introduced him to gifts from the earth. He will have some of his salves, tinctures, and teas available at the meeting. Visit his website at www. mountainwintuherbs.org. 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: http://www.shastacnps.org
April 16 – 18 – Redding: Shasta College and Shasta Chapter CNPS Annual Native Plant Sale. Shasta College Annual Spring Plant Sale. Three day plant sale held at Shasta College Farm/Horticulture Area (northeast portion of the campus), 11555 Old Oregon Trail, Redding Thursday, April 16, 2015: 8AM to 5PM Friday, April 17, 2015: 8AM to 5PM Saturday, April 18, 2015: 9AM to 4PM. In addition to vegetables and other ornamental plants available through the College, the Shasta Chapter of the California Native Plant Society will have over 2,000 California native plants for sale at this 3-day Spring Plant Sale. Staff will be able to answer questions about plant identification and care. Admission free. Contact: Jay or Terri Thesken at (530) 221-0906 For more info: http://www.shastacnps.org
April 18 – NEW MOON
April 18 – Chico: Friends of the Chico State Herbarium Workshop: 20th Anniversary Wildflower Phyto-Blitz Workshop in the Field. For Friends of the Herbarium and their guests. 9 am – 1 pm. Presented by Marjorie McNairn and Rob Schlising. CELEBRATE the start of the 20th year that Friends of the Herbarium have helped support the Chico State Herbarium and have promoted botany in the area IDENTIFY, TALLY AND ENJOY as many species of spring wildflowers as possible in the field, in a short period of time (in other words, participate in a “phyto‐blitz”) Participants will meet in Chico at 9 a.m. on 18 April to 1) divide up into teams (that will be guided in the field by knowledgeable botanists), 2) receive up‐to‐date wildflower checklists, and 3) car‐pool to the Vina Plains Preserve to be guests of The Nature Conservancy. In the field, team leaders will choose plant‐search routes and help team members name and check off as many wildflowers as possible in a short time. Status of the plant—in leaf, in flower, or in fruit—will be circled on the lists. Back in Chico, team checklists will be compared (and a winning team announced!). Total kinds of wildflowers found by all teams will be tallied. Phyto‐blitz facilitators will later send each participant a summary of the morning’s findings. This wildflower phyto‐blitz is free, but is by reservation only, and attendance is limited to current members of Friends of the Herbarium. Interested persons are invited to become members of Friends of the Herbarium. Google “Friends of Chico State Herbarium” for details about membership and to see more details about this phyto‐blitz workshop on 18 April and other workshops to be held in 2015. For more information or help with workshop registration please contact Emily Purvis in the CSU Chico Biology Office at 530-898-5356 or epurvis@csuchico.edu. For more information: http://www.csuchico.edu/biol/Herb/Events.html
April 18 – Mt. Shasta: Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens WORKSHOP Gardening with Perennials presented by Katie Jessup 10 am – 12 noon. Workshops are free and open to public. Please bring your own chair! Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens, 1234 Nixon Rd, Mt Shasta CA 530-926-2565.
April 18 – Yuba City: Sutter Buttes Garden Club Garden and Plant Sale Flower Building at the Yuba-Sutter Fair Grounds.
April 18 – Mt. Shasta: Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens WORKSHOP Kids Seed Starting mini Greenhouse led by Sandi Belton 10 am – 12 noon. Workshops are free and open to public. Please bring your own chair! Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens, 1234 Nixon Rd, Mt Shasta CA 530-926-2565.
April 19 – Paradise: Paradise Grange hosts their first Plant Sale and Seed Swap with Sawmill Creek and Nancy’s Herbs 1 – 4 pm. *A Free Event * Local Vendors Sawmill Creek Farms, Native Springs Nursery, Plants by Mel *Seed Swap potluck style *Food and Drink available for purchase * Learn how to make seed balls * Music & Activities *Check out both of our Community Gradens located at the Paradise Grange * Learn about the Paradise Seed Lending Library. WHAT TO BRING: * Seeds, bulbs, plants, cuttings or more to exchange * Please label your items * Used envelopes / containers * Pens / pencils YOU DON’T NEED SEEDS TO ATTEND! Hosted by the Paradise Grange & Paradise Ridge Neighborhood Garden MORE INFO: email~pair-o-dice@comcast.net 5704 Chapel Dr. Paradise, CA 95969 (530) 873-1370
April 19 – Chico: Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society Field Trip: State Park at Sutter Buttes 8:00 AM. State Park At Sutter Buttes: Peace Valley & Vicinity. Limit 30 @ $10 each State Park fee. Meet at Chico Park & Ride west lot (Hwys 32/99) or Live Oak Memorial Park at 8:45 AM. To sign up contact co-leader Woody Elliott, 530-588-2555, woodyelliott@gmail.com. For more info:http://mountlassen.cnps.org
April 19 – Redding: Shasta Chapter CNPS Matson Mowder Howe Celebration Garden Maintenance. Work session starting at 9 AM at the Matson Mowder Howe Celebration Garden adjacent to the North Valley Art League Carter House Gallery at 48 Quartz Hill Road in Caldwell Park, Redding. We will complete general garden maintenance activities; bring your hand tools, gloves, and drinking water. Rain cancels. For more information, please call Mindy Graves at 530/546-9860. For more info: http://www.shastacnps.org
April 20 – Chico: Chico Horticultural Society Regular Monthly Meeting 9:30 am meet/coffee, 10 am Member Garden Tour. Meet at Butte County Library – 1st Avenue, Chico. For more info: President, Susi G. at gillums@yahoo.com
April 25 – Los Molinos: Nature Conservancy Tours of Dye Creek Canyon 9am – 2 pm. The five-mile hike follows the course of Dye Creek itself, which cuts through a pristine setting of volcanic buttes, hills and extensive blue oak woodlands, before flowing into the Sacramento River. Expect spectacular views, spring flowers and occasional wildlife sightings, such as deer, golden eagles and peregrine falcons (binoculars enhance the experience). You’ll also have a rare opportunity to explore a cave thought to be frequented by Ishi, the last survivor of the Yahi Indian Tribe. This hike is rigorous; high-top hiking boots and plenty of water are a MUST! Please note: A good level of fitness and agility is required to complete the hike. Hikers will have to traverse a creek and navigate steep, rocky terrain. Dogs are not allowed during these events. All events are held rain or shine, with the exception of a serious downpour. Sturdy footwear/hiking boots are a requirement. The weather may be hot, or humid and wet, so wear layered clothing, and bring waterproof clothing and a hat. Carry plenty of drinking water, and bring a lunch. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Space is limited to 25 persons, so visitors are advised to book early. To book a reservation or receive more information, contact Jackson Shedd of The Nature Conservancy at (760) 707-6942 or jshedd@tnc.org (e-mail preferred).
April 25 – Oroville: Oroville AAFCC Community Garden Workshop Series: SEEDS AND SEED STARTING 10:00 AM. 2733 Wyandotte, Southside, Oroville. A variety of vegetable seeds will be started in containers, with discussion care and when to transplant into the ground. Containers can be taken home or stored in the garden hoop house. For registration and more information: http://ucanr.edu/sites/bcmg/events/
April 25 – Vina Plains: Nature Conservancy Tours of Dye Creek Canyon 10am – 12 pm. During the spring the Vina Plains Preserve comes alive with colorful wildflowers, which carpet the grasslands and ring the vernal pools in spectacular bands of color. The pools support many rare, threatened or endangered species and attract a large array of waterfowl and shorebirds that feast on small crustaceans that fill the pools this time of year. The one-mile hike is relatively flat, but the surface will be uneven, and may be wet and slippery in places, depending on the weather. The hike will be led by California Native Plant Society botanists, who are extremely knowledgeable about the flora of the site. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are a MUST!All events are held rain or shine, with the exception of a serious downpour. Sturdy footwear/hiking boots are a requirement. The weather may be hot, or humid and wet, so wear layered clothing, and bring waterproof clothing and a hat. Carry plenty of drinking water, and bring a lunch. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Space is limited to 25 persons, so visitors are advised to book early. To book a reservation or receive more information, contact Jackson Shedd of The Nature Conservancy at (760) 707-6942 or jshedd@tnc.org (e-mail preferred).
April 25 – Chico: Butte County Master Gardener Spring Workshop Series at Patrick Ranch Demonstration Garden: GARDEN DESIGN 11 am – 1 pm. Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, Durham. Find out how to attract more honeybees to your yard, learn about the different types of bees, amazing facts about bees, where to buy bees, and if you are interested, how to manage a hive. Reservations required. For more info or reservations: call 530- 538-7201 or visit http://ucanr.edu/sites/bcmg/events/
April 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.
April 25 – Redding: McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay: Essentials of Micro-Irrigation 10 – 12. Now’s the time (before you really need it) to find out all you need to know about easy-to-install, low-water usage, manual and automatic micro (drip) – irrigation systems. Join Turtle Bay’s Senior Horticulturist Linda Russo as she demonstrates and discusses the construction of a complete simple system with emitters, microsprayers, and all the basic necessary components for any micro-irrigation system. Free with park admission! Meet at the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Office (1135 Arboretum Drive next to Nursery Greenhouse)
April 25 – Davis: UC Davis ArboretumPLANT SALES for the NEW FRONT YARD 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., UC Davis Arboretum Teaching Nursery (Garrod Drive near La Rue Road, across from Vet Med), UC Davis campus. We know that many homeowners out there are in the process of developing their “New Front Yard” by replacing high-water use plants with low-water alternatives. That’s why at our spring sales are going to have the area’s largest selection of attractive, drought-tolerant, easy-care, region-appropriate plants including California natives and Arboretum All-Stars. These plant sales are open to the public, but members receive 10% off their purchases; new members receive an additional $10 off as a thank you for joining. Not a member? Call ahead or join at the door. The benefits of membership far outweigh your cost! For more information on the benefits of membership visit: http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/join_the_friends.aspx. The event is free; parking is free and available in nearby parking lots. For more information and directions, visit http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/calendar.aspx or call (530) 752-4880. to Support the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden.
April 25 – Mt. Shasta: Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens WORKSHOP Animal Pest Control led by Donna & Micah 10 am – 12 noon. Workshops are free and open to public. Please bring your own chair! Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens, 1234 Nixon Rd, Mt Shasta CA 530-926-2565.
April 26 – Chico: Mt. Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society Field Trip: 10 Mile House Trail 10:00 AM. Ten Mile House Trail – Upper Bidwell Park, Chico. Meet at 10 AM at the Green Gate trailhead on Hwy 32, nine (9) miles east of the intersection of Hwys 32 & 99. Leaders: Gerry Ingco 530-893-5123 and Wes Dempsey 530-342-2293. For more info:http://mountlassen.cnps.org
April 26 – Mt. Shasta: Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens WORKSHOP Holistic Health Care in Garden presented by Gisele Schoniger 11 am – 1 pm. Workshops are free and open to public. Please bring your own chair! Spring Hill Nursery & Gardens, 1234 Nixon Rd, Mt Shasta CA 530-926-2565.
April 28 – Chico: Butte Rose Society Monthly meetingButte Rose Society (BRS) Monthly meeting and Educational Rose Program 7 pm. Chico Veternas Memorial Hall 554 Rio Lindo Ave., For more information about BRS, visit: www.butte-rosesociety.org
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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
In a North State Garden is a bi-weekly North State 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 morning at 7:34 AM Pacific time and Sunday morning at 8:34 AM Pacific time, two times a month.
