Take a cool morning ramble in an acre of native plants

Our hot summer days are tolerable because we have cool evenings — and cool-enough mornings. One of those mornings can be delightfuly spent this Sunday, rambling through a one-acre garden of California natives.

Patricia Carpenter, a California Native Plant Society ambassador, will open her native plant garden to visitors for a self-guided stroll any time from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. this Sunday, Aug. 3.

Admission is free but registration is required. Register here.

Carpenter’s secluded garden west of Davis features about 400 species and cultivars of native plants. Highlights of this Summer Ramble are expected to include:

— Enjoying summer blooms and interest.

— Seeing how plants adapt to heat and drought, plus irrigation strategies for those plants.

— Observing seasonal maintenance, seed collecting, and planning for fall planting.

An optional short orientation and Q&A gathering with Carpenter are schedule for 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Meet near the check-in table. Carpenter’s non-native garden will be open to view as well.

Glen Holstein, botanist and wildflower enthusiast, will be on site.  He will be helping with plant ID and answering questions about native plants. 

Although masks are optional, Carpenter asks that visitors respect distancing and mask wearing of other visitors. Visitors are welcome to bring a lunch or snack to enjoy at the garden.  A composting toilet available.

Note that sturdy shoes are advised. Do not bring dogs, please.