All workshops are free and start at 9:30 am, unless otherwise noted.
January 5 – 9:30-11:30 am
5 Senses Conference
Join us for a special midwinter workshop/conference with lively discussion about the way California natural gardens provide unique opportunities for us to use our five senses; sight, sound, taste, smell, and feel. We also will focus on that sixth sense, the one called “wonder,” which we experience when we engage with nature. On a practical note, we will review the basics of making a reciprocal sensory garden with demonstrations of concrete examples, including design principles and plant combinations.
You will not want to miss “Five Senses in the Natural Garden.” Our panel of instructors includes the following TOLN amigos that regularly present on the topics of their expertise:
Mike Evans – Sight. Principles of art and design including nature’s best… surprise.
Cat Waters – Sound. “What’s that bird and what’s she trying to say?” Other sounds as well.
Abe Sanchez – Taste. Growing, gathering, preparing, enjoying native foods, sustainably.
Melissa Adylia – Smell. What is aromatherapy, does it work, and if so, how does it work?
Leon Baginski M.D. – Touch. Tactile senses, benefits if engaging in the garden at this level.
Refreshments will be provided. No charge. Rain or shine. Looking forward to seeing you here. Happy New Year! More info here.
January 12
Plant Selection: Winter Bloomers
See what is blooming at Tree of Life this winter! We’ll lead a tour of our gardens with a focus on winter bloomers and how you can create seasonal interest in your garden and provide year round habitat pollinators, birds, and more!
January 19
Design Your Own Natural Garden Oasis
Whether you are creating a garden from scratch or filling in a few bare patches, come learn tricks and techniques to design your garden like a pro. Our speaker, Jodie Cook, will cover planting design considerations for small or larger spaces, share easy plants for sun or shade, show you how to size paths and patios, and discuss capturing rain for a truly resilient garden.
January 26
Creating and Caring for Your Native Garden: Winter Reflections
Now that you have killed your grass, and you are working on your design, what are you supposed to do? Tree of Life president Mike Evans will teach you how to create a thriving and enjoyable native garden with a focus on the winter season. Topics will include: Planting techniques, maintenance and pruning, and trouble shooting problems.