Native plant garden open Sunday for rambling and observing
As the end of spring approaches, how are the California native plants faring? What’s blooming, what’s already dormant?
Find out Sunday, May 18, when Patricia Carpenter opens her secluded 1-acre native plant garden west of Davis for a Late Spring Ramble.
The garden, on the west side of Pierce Ranch Road south of Russell Boulevard, will be open for self-guided tours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; visitors can start any time during that period. Maps will be available for use on site.
Admission is free but registration is required. Register here.
Carpenter notes that at this point in spring the desert plants are starting to bloom, as are the late-season shrubs. “Pipevine caterpillars galore,” she notes. Also, many geophytes bloom late in the spring.
Other highlights Sunday:
— Miridae Mobile Nursery bring the truck loaded with native plants. Visit this page at www.miridaemobilenursery.com to access a link to their current inventory of native plants. They also can reserve plants for pick-up at Carpenter’s garden.
— Botanist and wildflower expert Glen Holstein will be on site, helping with plant identification.
— There will be native seeds to share.
Started in 2005, Patricia Carpenter’s native garden now features about 400 species and cultivars of California native plants. Visit her Garden Ambassador profile to learn more about this garden, access a map, view a plant list, and take a virtual tour. Her non-native garden will be open to view Sunday as well.
There will be an optional short orientation and Q&A gathering Sunday with Carpenter at 10 a.m. and noon. Meet near the check-in table.
Although masks are optional, Carpenter asks that visitors respect distancing and mask wearing of other visitors. Sturdy (water- and mud-proof, too!) shoes are advised. No dogs, please. A composting toilet is available.
Artist are welcome to bring their watercolors or charcoals, cameras or pens to paint, photograph or write.
All visitors are welcome to bring a lunch or snack to enjoy.
