Ramble through a winter native garden this weekend

Patricia Carpenter, a California Native Plant Society Garden Ambassador, gives the region’s garden fans a chance to enjoy the subtle beauty of a native plant garden in winter this Sunday, Jan. 19.

Carpenter opens her secluded 1-acre native plant garden west of Davis from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday for a Winter Ramble.

The garden, on the west side of Pierce Ranch Road south of Russell Boulevard, will be open for self-guided tours during those hours in what is expected to be clear and cold weather; 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.

Here are some expected highlights, as noted by Carpenter:

— Glen Holstein, botanist, will be in attendance. A wildflower enthusiast, he will be helping with plant ID and answering questions about native plants. 

— Artists are very welcome to photograph, or find a shady spot to paint or draw.

— Miridae Mobile Nursery will be on site again for sales. Visit www.miridaemobilenursery.com to view their list of native plants. Winter is a great time to plant.

— Native seeds. We have been collecting seeds to share.

— Wildflowers are starting to bloom.

 Started in 2005, the native garden now features about 400 species and cultivars of California native plants. Visit Carpenter’s 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 as well.

There will be an optional short orientation and Q&A gathering Sunday with Carpenter at noon and 2 p.m. Meet near the check-in table.

Although masks are optional, Carpenter asks that visitors respect distancing and mask wearing of other visitors. Sturdy shoes are advised. No dogs, please. A composting toilet is available. Visitors are welcome to bring a lunch or snack to enjoy.