Ramble through a native plant garden this Sunday

The beauty of native plants in fall will be on view Sunday, Nov. 3, as CNPS Garden Ambassador Patricia Carpenter opens her property near Davis from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  for the Fall Ramble. 

Admission to the ramble is free but registration is required.  The garden, west of Pierce Ranch Road south of Russell Boulevard, will be open rain or shine for self-guided tours; start any time during those hours. Maps are available for use on site.

Now a reminder: Daylight saving time ends early Nov. 3, so the morning light Sunday will be different from what we’ve had recently.

As a Garden Ambassador of the California Native Plant Society, Carpenter welcomes visitors several times a year to her native garden. The site covers 1 acre along a slough and includes more than 400 species and cultivars of California natives. Her non-native garden also will be open for viewing.

Carpenter notes these activities for the Fall Ramble:

— Artists are welcome to photograph the garden, to find a shady spot to paint or draw, or write a poem.

— Visitors can stop at the table staffed by Winters’ Hedgerow Farms, where team members will have native seeds available. Visitors also can test their “i-scentification” skills with the blind aroma smelling game.

— Native plant fans can purchase favorites from the Miridae Mobile Nursery, which will be on site for the event. See their current inventory here.

— Ramblers can attend an optional short orientation and Q&A gathering with Carpenter at 10 a.m. and noon.

Visitors, who are advised to wear sturdy shoes, are also welcome to bring a snack or lunch to enjoy at the garden. A composting toilet is available. No pets allowed.

Learn more about the garden’s history and growth at Carpenter’s CNPS profile page here.