May 5
Bringing Nature Home to California
Planting natives offers more than simply adding flowers and attracting showy pollinators to our yards. They are the foundation of larger local food webs and play a critical part in supporting all animals – insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals alike – that call California home. As we continue to “develop” wild lands, it is of increasing importance that we use native plants in our gardens and other landscaped areas to create functional habitat that mimics nature. Join author and biologist Bob Allen for an engaging discussion on the importance of habitat gardening and how you can use your garden to create habitat for native fauna.
May 12
Good Bug, Bad Bug… Is That a Bug?
How do you know what creepy crawly is on your beloved native plant, and should you be concerned? Tree of Life’s own Alisa Flint will help you learn to identify common garden insects, both pests and beneficials (aka pest predators) in your garden. She will also share advice how to encourage the good guys and manage the bad ones.
May 19
Desert Bonsai Bowl
Observe and learn how to make a “desert bonsai” using a planter bowl or shallow pot in the bonsai tradition. We will match the pot to desert plant species, rocks, pebbles and sand top dress, dry branches or burls and other natural features. The finished pot will exemplify a miniature desert scene that will grow and thrive in the pot for many years to come.
Mike Evans likes the desert. He lives on the coast, and cannot often drop everything and head out there on a whim. However, by creating cool little potted landscapes, he can go in his mind. His inspiration for these little natural scenes comes from the traditional Japanese art form called of “bonsai.”
May 26
Gardening with Desert Plants
Tree of Life’s Kevin Alison will give a talk on the plants of our California deserts, covering the evolution of desert habitats as well as common adaptations of desert plants that allow them to survive and thrive in hot, dry climates. He will also highlight desert plants that can be planted throughout the summer and will add summer color to your garden!