Plenty to do in mild, damp winters
Fortunately for those of us who live in and around the Monterey Bay, gardening doesn’t come to a screeching halt in winter like it does in most of the U.S. There is plenty to do in our mild damp winters and many plants can be grown and enjoyed. If you would like to take some time to get more education about gardening as well as actually working in the garden, here are some events happening soon in areas around the Bay.
ALLADIN NURSERY >> 2905 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville, 7247517
Rose Pruning Class: 10-11:30 a.m. Jan 25, taught by ARS Certified Consulting Rosarians. Learn about rose pruning practices and procedures, pruners and tools, safety, IPM (Integrated Pest Management), fertilizers and more. Attendees are welcome to bring in their own rose plants for pruning and additional tips on proper care. Free.
Bonsai Class: 1-3 p.m.Jan 25, learn about creating and maintaining bonsai.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own trees — any type, size or style — for consultation. Free.
SCARBOROUGH GARDENS >> 33 El Pueblo Rd, Scotts Valley, 4384106
Rose Pruning Workshop: Noon to 2 p.m. Feb 8 at San Lorenzo Valley High School, 7105 Hwy 9, Felton. (Park in the front lot, walk through the hallway between the Performing Arts Center and the Counseling Office. The roses are on the far side of the front lawn. Bring gloves, hand pruners, loppers and a bag or container to haul away cuttings.) Learn the basics of winter pruning roses, taught by Jean (Jet) Van Ausdall. Free.
UC MASTER GARDENERS OF MONTEREY AND SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES >> UC Cooperative Extension, 1430 Freedom Blvd, Suite E, Watsonville, 763.8007
Celebrate Abundance by Golden Love Gardens, Jan 26. Learn about managing water resources in the garden. Take a micro-tour of two thriving local gardens that are harvesting rain water for later use, practicing sustainability and recharging aquifers. Free.
Micro-tour 1 — Lonnie Truax & Ian MacGregor, Aptos, 2-3 p.m.
Micro-tour 2 — Rick and Violet Boyle, Westside Santa
Cruz, CA, 4-5 p.m.
Register for one or both micro-tours to get the addresses: https://celebrate-abundance. eventbrite.com.
UCSC ARBORETUM >> 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/visit/index.html
Ray Collett Lecture: 7 p.m. Feb 12, Steve McCabe, emeritus director of Research of UCSC Arboretum, will discuss Succulent Poaching and Dudleya Conservation. Horticulture II Meeting Hall. Free community event, donations welcome.