Whether you're new to growing native plants or an old hand, you probably know about the Gardening with Natives group that meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm in Palo Alto; one or more of the excellent books recently published on growing California natives; and the far-flung native nurseries. (By the way, one of the authors of the book _California Native Plants for the Garden_ will be speaking at the Western Hort meeting at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 11, at Covington School. Carol Bornstein of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will discuss perennials. Nonmembers pay $5.) But though I love listening to people talk about plants and reading about plants, I learn the most when I can touch and smell plants, see how they fill space, and get hands-on experience.
A few upcoming events offer gardening classes as well as opportunities to see lots of native plants in person. You can still volunteer for many of these events, where you will meet amateurs as well as expert. On Saturday, April 7, visit the Wildflower Celebration at the Ulistac Natural Area from 9 am to 1 pm for native plant gardening classes, guided tours, and other activities. Located on 41 acres off Lick Mill Road in Santa Clara, Ulistac also offers restoration workdays twice a month. Volunteers concentrate on the 5-acre oak woodland and savannah and the nearly 1-acre Bird and Butterfly Garden.
Also on April 7, the local chapter of the California Native Plant Society holds its spring plant sale at Hidden Villa Ranch off Moody Road in Los Altos Hills. Native-plant gardeners are always on hand to answer questions and offer advice. Get in line before the sale opens at 10 am for best selection, or go later (until 3 pm) for a more leisurely browse, to buy books or seeds, or to chat up the experts.
The plants at the sale are grown by volunteers. Call Jean Struthers at 941-2586 to find out about native nursery work sessions.
The following Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15, see more than 400 wildflowers arranged by plant family at the Wildflower Show. The plants are collected by volunteers (with necessary permits) from surrounding areas a few days prior to the event. Held at Mission College in Santa Clara from 10 to 4, the show also features classes in wildflower and native plant gardening and tours of Mission's native garden. (Park free in Lot C.) Closer to home, Native Hill at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills is another public garden that offers occasional weekend workdays. Call Phil Higgins at 941-4752 to volunteer.
Register now to attend the free Going Native Garden Tour, 10 to 4 on Sunday, April 29, featuring 40+ gardens all over San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. You can preview some gardens on the website.
Look around your neighborhood to find other public parks, libraries, and schools with native gardens that welcome volunteers – or start one yourself.
© 2007 Tanya Kucak