Join us for this workshop series focused on creating native gardens in small yards. You do not need a large space to create a beautiful and inviting native garden, just a little inspiration. All workshops are free and begin at 9:30 am.
July 1
Mindfulness in the California Native Garden
Join Tree of Life Nursery’s Melissa Adylia Calasanz for a presentation designed to indulge each of your six senses: Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste, Smell, and Awareness. She will begin with a short presentation and Q&A, followed by a guided walking meditation, where you will be invited to engage with your mind, your body, your breath, and Mother Nature. Bringing a holistic approach to garden design, Melissa’s enthusiasm for highlighting the resourcefulness, resilience, and beauty of California Native Plants, will inspire your inner gardening guru, and bring awareness to the therapeutic abundance that Mother Nature has to offer.
July 8
Remove Your Lawn
The first step in transitioning to a more sustainable garden is removing your water hungry lawn. However, killing your lawn can be more involved than you would expect (depending on the type of grass you have) and the methods to get rid of a lawn are quite varied. Avoid unnecessary labor and learn several successful methods for lawn removal, depending on your turf type, budget, and timeline. Join Tree of Life’s Sam Manning as he gives this practical, easy-to-follow talk about how to remove your lawn to make way for a fresh and more sustainable landscape.
July 15
Design Basics for Small Spaces with Mike Evans
Your outdoor space is an extension of your personality and can be molded to fit your lifestyle. In the California Natural Garden, plants and other elements are combined with walkways, sitting areas and other features to offer an experience rather than just decoration. We will discover how the Japanese Garden in Japan has set an example for appreciating and tending “nature” in a confined space. We will also learn the joys of sharing our intimate nature gardens with, as John Muir called them, “our fellow mortals,” the birds, beneficial pollinators, and other creatures that will be attracted into our native plant gardens.
Wednesday July 19
Storytime with Natives
Calling nature loving kids! We have an hour of fun for you; a story, some art, and a chance to get your hands dirty as you plant your very own California native! Mom, Dad, (Grandma, Grandpa, Aunts or Uncles!) send us an email (suzie@treeoflifenursery.com) if you want to grab a seat at the planting table (limited spots available!)
- Wednesday July 19, 9:30-10:30 am
- Cost $5, snack provided
- Activity aimed at ages 5-7
- Parent/Gaurdian presence required
July 22
Creating and Caring for Your Native Garden
Now that you have killed your grass, and you are working on your design, what are you supposed to do? Native plant expert Colin Dunleavy will share from our booklet, “Creating and Caring for your Native Garden,” that you can download here: Creating and Caring for your Native Garden. He will focus on initial site prep, planting techniques, and the establishment and care of your plants. Colin will also highlight native plants that will work well in small gardens as well as the maintenance and pruning of these natives.
July 29
Gardening with Pots for Small Spaces
Did you know that you do not need a large yard or even soil to create a beautiful and inviting native garden? Join Tree of Life’s Patty Roess for an exciting workshop to learn how to garden with pots in small spaces. Patty will cover the basics of design principles for potted plants and will also highlight natives that will thrive with minimal maintenance in pots so your garden will be beautiful for years to come!
We will have reduced hours on Saturdays in summer, July through September. Click here to see our summer hours.
Featured photo: Sarah Bryant, Tree of Life Nursery ©