PUBLISHED: June 16, 2007 at 4:03 a.m. | UPDATED: August 15, 2016 at 7:41 p.m.
Navlet's Garden Centers — Classes as scheduled: "Perennial Borders," 10 a.m. June 16 in Pleasant Hill; "Drought Tolerant Plantings," 10 a.m. June 24 in Concord and Pleasant Hill. Locations: 1555 Kirker Pass Road, Concord, 925-681-0550; 800 Camino Ramon, Danville, 925-837-9144; 6740 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, 925-935-9125; 2895 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 925-939-9000. Registration: http://www.navletsgardens.com.
"Flower Drawing & Painting" — workshop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 16. Learn to make working sketches and develop strong ideas for paintings. Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. $65 members, $75 nonmembers; $10 materials fee, in class. Registration: 925-947-1678, http://www.gardenshf.org.
"Plants for the Shade Garden"– 10 a.m. June 23. With Aerin Moore, Magic Gardens owner. Magic Gardens Landscape Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. Free. 510-644-2351, http://www.magicgardens.com.
"Introduction to Botanical Art" — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 23-24. This hands-on class introduces traditional botanical art skills such as plant observation, drawing, color mixing and watercolor painting using leaves, flowers and fruit as models. No previous art experience required. Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. $120 members; $130 nonmembers. Registration: 925-947-1678, http://www.gardenshf.org.
Home Composting for Busy People — "Composting & Vermicompost," 1-2:30 p.m. June 23, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. Presented by Central Contra Costa Waste Authority. Reservations: 925-906-1806.
"Care for Azalea Bonsai After They've Flowered" — 1-3 p.m. June 24. Bonsai artist Seiji Shiba will demonstrate how to care for a satsuki azalea after it has flowered. Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Free. 510-763-8409.
"Plant Parenthood" — 9 a.m.-noon June 30. Learn how easy it is to start new plants by seed, cuttings or divisions. Instructor: Patrice Hanlon, GHF garden director. Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. $15 members, $20 nonmembers; $5 materials fee. 925-947-1678, http://www.gardenshf.org.
"Matting & Framing Workshop" — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 30. Learn to cut mats, finish wooden moldings, mount artwork, do fittings, and how to buy supplies most economically. Bring lunch. Instructor: Stephanie Scott. Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. $65 members, $75 nonmembers; $5 materials fee. 925-947-1678, http://www.gardenshf.org.
"Fabulous Succulents for our Bay Area Gardens"– 10 a.m. July 14. With Brian Gabbard, propagation manager. Magic Gardens Landscape Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. Free. 510-644-2351, http://www.magicgardens.com.
"Black Pine Bonsai Summer Care" — 1-3 p.m. July 22. Bonsai artist John Boyce will demonstrate how to decandle a Japanese Black Pine and other pines like it. Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Free. 510-763-8409.
"DIG's Propagation Workshop" — 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Bring gloves and clippers. Mel's Greenhouse, 25685 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood. Delta Informal Gardeners. 925-634-1463.
Bay Friendly Gardening — Composting workshops (free), videos, information and discounted bins for Alameda County residents. 510-444-SOIL (444-7645), http://www.bayfriendly.org.
Filoli — Offers a variety of classes and workshops for children and adults in art, hiking, flower arranging and gardening. 86 Canada Road, Woodside. $10-$150. 650-364-8300, Ext. 508, http://www.filoli.org.
Association of Professional Landscape Designers — 4-6 p.m. July 10. Speaker: Kathy Rudnyck of Monrovia. Topic: "New Plant Introductions." Veterans Memorial Building, 3790 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Open to all landscape design professionals and students in the green industry. $5/$10/$15. Sharon Petersen, 925-672-7729, gardenartistry@earthlink.net.
California Horticulture Society — Slide show and discussion, 7:30 p.m. June 18. Speaker: Valerie Easton. Topic: "The New Low Maintenance Garden: The Pattern Garden." San Francisco County Fair Building, Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way. Free for members; $5 visitors.
Delta Informal Gardeners — Speaker: John Bartok, manager of the Village Nursery, Brentwood. Liberty Cafe, Liberty High School, 850 Second St., Brentwood. Jon Bergstrom, 925-240-6060, http://www.deltainformalgardeners.org.
Diablo Bonsai Club — 7:30-9:30 p.m. June 20. Lecture and workshop on planting and raising bonsai trees. Individual attention given to those interested in the art of bonsai. Gardens at Heather Farm, Upper Room, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. 925-736-9157, http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/diablobonsai.
Ikebana International, San Francisco Bay Area chapter — Meets third Fridays monthly, September through May. Demonstrations by local and visiting ikebana artists in the Golden Gate Park setting. San Francisco County Fair Building, Ninth Avenue at Lincoln Way. 415-566-2976, http://www.ikebana.org.
Pre-Summer Plant Sale — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 16. Salvias and fuchsias available and in bloom. Markham Nature Park and Arboretum, 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. $4 for one-gallon pots; $2 for four-inch pots. Proceeds benefit the nature park and arboretum development. 925-681-2968, http://www.markhamarboretum.org.
"Diggin' the Daylily" — Noon-4 p.m. June 16. The exhibits will feature the many forms and colors of daylilies. Plants will be available for sale. Presented by the Greater Bay Area Daylily Club. Salvation Army Community Church, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. 925-708-8204, http://www.gbadc.org.
"13th annual Sculpture in the Garden Show" — June 16-17; with preview by reservation only, June 15. Explore the garden while viewing some outdoor sculpture by local artists in a setting that allows you to visualize how their work might enhance your own garden. Featured artist: David Mudgett. Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1500 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. $7; members and younger than 12 are free. 925-210-9663, http://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org.
Ruth Bancroft Garden Tours and Plant Sale — Open at 10 a.m. Saturdays by reservation only for docent- and self-guided tours. Times: 9:30 a.m. Fridays; 9:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. Saturdays. Plants are for sale after the tour. 1500 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. $7; members and younger than 12 are free. 925-210-9663, http://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org.
Summer Gardening Tour — 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 22. Join teacher Monika Olsen and other gardening enthusiasts in a field trip to learn more about edible gardening; sustainable landscaping practices; and growing herbs, natives and drought tolerant plants for our Mediterranean climate. Bring picnic lunch, walking shoes and hat. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at the flagpole at Pleasant Hill Education Center, One Santa Barbara Road. $52 includes tour, bus transportation and snack. Registration: 925-937-1530.
"21st annual Art Under the Oaks" — 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 14-15. Oil and watercolor artists will be featured, as well as craftsmen and women displaying sculptures, fiber art, seaweed baskets and more. Interactive games for all ages; prize drawings each hour. Presented by Alden Lane Nursery and the Livermore Art Association. Alden Lane Nursery, 981 Alden Lane, Livermore. 925-447-0280, http://www.aldenlane.com.
"Flowers in the Home" — 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily, July 17-21. Includes floral demonstrations, cutting garden tours, plant talks, 'from the garden' food demonstrations, displays and hands-on activities for children. Book signing and reception event: 4:30-7 p.m. July 19; $30 members, $40 nonmembers. With author, Amy Stewart, "Flower Confidential." Filoli, 86 Canada Road, Woodside. Admission: $12 adults; $5 students age 5-17 with ID; free for age 4 and younger. 650-364-8300, http://www.filoli.org.
"Wine with Roses" — 5-8 p.m. July 28. This evening on the grounds and in the gardens at Filoli features tasting wine from local vintners, a catered dinner, live music and a raffle that will benefit the preservation, conservation and public enjoyment of this National Historic Trust property. Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. Event tickets: $90 members; $100 nonmembers. Raffle tickets: $10 each; $50 for six. Event or raffle tickets: 650-364-8300, Ext. 508; http://www.filoli.org.
Rockridge Kitchen Tour — "Walking Tour of Nine Classic Rockridge Remodeled Kitchens," 12:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 7. An historic Craftsman neighborhood. Fundraiser for the Rockridge Community Planning Council. Registration desk at 5951 College Ave. at Harwood, Oakland. Tickets $30 if purchased before 11:30 p.m. Oct. 5; $40 from 11 a.m. at the registration desk on Oct. 7. Visit http://www.rockridge.org.
Volunteers needed at San Francisco Botanical Garden — Help in the garden bookstore, library or nursery; lead garden walks for adults or school children; or work in the garden itself. San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum, Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way. Registration: 415-661-1316, Ext. 312, http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org.
"Extreme Landscape Makeover" at Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue — Seeking volunteers for planting, construction and help with injured and orphaned wildlife. 7036 Balsam Way, Oakland, CA 94611. 510-421-9897, http://www.yuwr.org.
UC Botanical Garden — Meet people and keep up on the selection of garden-related books and gifts, and have first pick of plants propagated by the volunteers. 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. Those available for three hours on Saturday, Sunday or Monday and who would like to join the Garden Shop Volunteer team, call Candice, 510-643-1924.
Educational field trip tours — Village Nurseries offers tours of their growing grounds and nursery by appointment. A free plant and a coupon is given to each child. Intended for elementary school students, Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, and other children's groups. 1350 Sunset Road, Brentwood. Free. Appointments: 925-634-0655.
"Sonoma Country Gardens & Flowers" — There are several gardens to visit in what Luther Burbank called Sonoma Country. Sculpture Gardens: Wildwood Farm, 10300 Sonoma Highway 12, Kenwood, 707-833-1161, http://www.wildwoodmaples.com; Cornerstone Festival of Gardens, 23570 Highway 121, Sonoma, 707-933-3010, http://www.cornerstonegardens.com. Unique Gardens: Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, Santa Rosa Avenue and Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, 707-524-5445; Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve, Highway One between Jenner and the Sea Ranch, 707-847-3221, http://www.parks.ca.gov; Bouverie Preserve, Highway 12 between Glen Ellen and Sonoma, 707-938-4554, http://www.egret.org; Garden Valley Ranch, 498 Pepper Road, Petaluma, 707-795-0919, http://www.gardenvalley.com; Hallberg Butterfly Garden, 8687 Oak Grove Ave., Sebastopol, 707-823-3420, http://www.hallbergbutterflygardens.com; Bamboo Sourcery, 666 Wagnon Road, Sebastopol, 707-823-5866, http://www.bamboosourcery.com; Gold Ridge Experimental Farm, 7781 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-6711, http://www.wschs-grf.pon.net/bef.htm. Winery Gardens: Kendall-Jackson Wine Center, 5007 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa, 707-571-8100, http://www.ki.com; Ferrari-Carano Winery and Gardens, 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-6700, http://www.ferrari-carano.com; Korbel Rose Garden, 13250 River Road, Guerneville, 707-824-7316, http://www.korbel.com; Matanzas Creek Winery, 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-528-6464, http://www.matanzascreek.com. Sonoma County, 800-576-6662, http://www.sonomacounty.com.
Quarryhill Botanical Garden 2007 Garden Tours — Offered third Saturdays monthly through October. All tours are docent-led and begin at 10 a.m. Highway 12, Glen Ellen. 707-996-3166, http://www.quarryhillbg.org.
Composting in Alameda County — StopWaste.Org offers discount compost bins to Alameda County gardeners. Using compost improves the soil, supplies nutrients to plants, helps retain moisture and reduces harmful elements such as plant disease and erosion. Free workshops, videos, brochures and answers to compost questions also available. 510-444-7645, http://www.StopWaste.Org.
"Historical and Botanical Walking Tour" — Lifemark Group's historical and botanical walking tour at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland takes place 10 a.m.-noon third Saturdays monthly. The tour takes visitors through the gardens and architectural elements designed by Julia Morgan. 4499 Piedmont Ave. Free. 510-228-3207, http://www.lifemarkgroup.com.
Guided walks and garden tours — "Children's Story Time & Family Walks," 10:30 a.m. story time and 11 a.m. walk, first and third Sundays monthly. Free. Free docent-led tours depart at 1:30 p.m. weekdays and at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from the Bookstore (near the Main Gate); 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from the Friend Gate (north entrance). Groups of 10 or more can call ahead to reserve special-focus tours. San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum, Golden Gate Park, Ninth Avenue at Lincoln Way. 415-661-1316, http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org.
UC Botanical Garden tours — Visit one of the country's premier botanical collections. Join docents for the "Waterwise Gardening Tour," 1:30 p.m. third Thursdays monthly and the following Saturday and Sunday of each month; free with garden admission. Docent-led tours 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Thursdays; free with garden admission. Garden hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; closed first Tuesdays monthly. 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. Admission: $5 general; $3 seniors; $1 ages 3-17; free parking available. 510-643-2755, http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu.
Green Stuff Day Camp 2007 — Participants explore the world of plants through garden explorations, science experiments, growing and harvesting food crops, making crafts from plants, discovering garden animals and learning about plant diversity. Sessions for ages 5-7: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 18-22 and 25-29; July 23-27 and July 30-Aug. 3; Aug. 13-17. Sessions for ages 8-10: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 9-13 and 16-20; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 6-10. UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. $195 nonmembers; $185 members. Registration: 510-643-2755, http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu.
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