When it comes to having a productive garden, whether that's the production of food or the enjoyment of blossoms, most of it doesn't happen without the presence of pollinators. In most cases, that's the work of native bees, but some creatures we might not think of as being welcome in the garden, also can help. We'll talk about bees, wasps, birds and other pollinators, and discuss ways of attracting them to your garden.

BIO: Joan Morris has been a reporter for 44 years, including the last 34 for the Bay Area News Group. She was the Home & Garden editor from 2006 to 2012, when she became the paper's pets and wildlife columnist. Joan still reports on gardening and is the founder of "Our Garden," a Contra Costa Master Gardener demonstration garden in Walnut Creek. Free classes are taught at the garden every Wednesday from April through October, and produce grown at the garden is donated to the Monument Crisis Center in Concord. The garden donates about 14,000 pounds of fresh vegetables and fruit every year. Joan lives in Brentwood with her trusty dog, Bailey, a Chihuahua who thinks he's a great Dane.
Joan Morris
Animal Life columnist 

Come to the San Mateo Arboretum Society Victorian Garden, and meet at the Fairy Garden to explore the world of bees. The kids will hear about some amazing bee houses and discover the plants that bees like. There will also be a short presentation by two fifth graders who have created bee houses that are being donated by them to the Arboretum for sale to the public.

Come to the San Mateo Arboretum Victorian Garden, inside the Pumphouse gates, to create a Gardening Journal.  There will be tables to put ideas  and decorations into a personalized journal.

​This talk followed by a rose garden walk will help you manage your roses in the warm, dry summer.  Deadhead, summer prune  the center for air and light, water deeply and infrequently,  mulch.  Manage any issues like fungal disease and insects. If you are conserving water, don't over-fertilize. These and other tips will help maximize your enjoyment of your roses. 

Join in the fun in the sun during the open hours of the Green House. Kids will learn about plants while exploring the grounds on a Garden Treasure Hunt

​The human need to create a quiet, peaceful place in the garden for contemplation, reflection, writing or meditation is as old as the garden itself and is exemplified both in literature and history. Early civilizations designated certain areas in gardens as sanctuaries or protected space and bounded them with markers, fences and walls. Arete Nicholas will discuss how to locate the ideal spot(s) in your garden and then how to enhance that special area by adding plantings and other elements and symbols that will appeal to all the senses. She will also share some of her garden design approaches to honoring the sacred in our everyday lives. She will also discuss how to make your protected space deeply personal and significant to you. You will leave the workshop with a double shot of ideas and enthusiasm for creating a new sacred space or perhaps renewing an old one!

​UC Master Gardeners proudly present “Houseplant Basics.” During the past 2 years, many people have spent much of their time at home and have increased efforts toward self-care and care for our loved ones. Studies reveal that exposure to living near green spaces, and spending as much time as possible in nature, can improve mood, reduce stress, enhance cognitive skills, and promote overall well-being in people of all ages. The interest in houseplants has increased. For these reasons, UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties have developed the “Houseplant Basics” course to help future houseplant owners get started. Topics in the presentation include: Benefits of Houseplants; Planning Ahead--Before You Purchase Considerations; Shopping for Houseplants—What do you look for?; Bringing Your Houseplants Home; Fertilizing and Providing Nutrients; and Pests, Diseases, and Other Houseplant Challenges.

​Celebrate the beginning of fall by crafting a fall grapevine wreath that will last through the holidays! SMAS will supply you with grapevine wreath,  a variety of succulents and other natural materials, and glue to create a beautiful 12" wreath to display in your home. Once you're finished enjoying your wreath, you can plant your succulent cuttings into container gardens or into the landscape. 

SMAS  will supply you with a grapevine wreath, a varieth of succulents, natural materials, and glue to greate a beautiful 12" wreath

​From this short course, you will get an overview of basic ikebana design principles and techniques. Great introduction for someone contemplating a deeper study of ikebana flower arranging but also a useful course with tips on proportion and line/mass contrasts for anyone who enjoys arranging floral materials and wants to do unique arrangements for upcoming holiday season.

Bio: With more than 30 years of ikebana experience, Nancy “Sorin” Locke has earned advanced teaching certificates from two schools of ikebana — Sogetsu and Wafu – giving her a strong background in contemporary design theory and technique. She holds the Somu rank in Sogetsu School of Ikebana. Combining her expertise in Ikebana design with her enjoyment of horticulture and gardening, she inspires her students to create beautiful fresh arrangements and to see floral materials with “fresh eyes.”   www.ikebana-nancy.com

Use your imagination to create a one-of-a-kind beautiful wreath. We will provide a variety of fresh colorful greens from San Mateo Central Park and all the supplies you will need to create your wreath at home.  All you need to provide is pruning sheers and gloves. You will be emailed dates & times when supplies (greens, frame, ribbon. wire & embellishments) can be picked up at the San Mateo Arboretum Society in San Mateo Central Park. 
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