A basic composting workshop will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday via Zoom. You will learn to utilize discarded organic resources for a more sustainable lifestyle and healthier environment. Preregistration is required at goo.gl/Fw6BaK, where the full workshop schedule through June 2026 may be viewed. Register by telephone at 831-824-6484. The workshops are offered to all residents of the county at no charge by the Santa Cruz County Department of Community Development and Infrastructure, Public Works Division.
Go to compostsantacruzcounty.org for information.
The fall climate provides us with a fantastic opportunity for year-round gardening. The versatility of grow bags makes it possible to cultivate vegetables and flowers even if you have limited space. Attend a special gardening program, choose either the English workshop from 10-11:30 am or the Spanish language workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., Salinas.
Registrants will receive an email to confirm your space. Those registering after spaces fill will be on a waiting list. UC Master Gardeners will guide you on which plants thrive on shorter days and cooler nights, helping you make informed choices for your garden.
Each household will receive a grow bag and potting soil. These grow bags are an excellent option for those with limited space or who want to experiment with container gardening. Choose from various fall vegetable and flower plants to nurture in your grow bag. Accompanying children will have a garden craft activity and will be able start their own fall veggies.
Registration is required as spaces are limited. To include as many community members as possible, you can only register for one workshop.
Go to https://forms.office.com/g/91ncz42Emd to register.
Contact Kate at [email protected] with questions.
Birdsong Orchards, a storybook homestead in Watsonville where fruit trees bloom alongside roses, goats and llamas, will soon be offered for sale. The property, a blend of orchard rows and meandering gardens, is making its market debut with April Tavares representing the sale. Celebrated for its beauty and its bounty, Birdsong has become a small local landmark — a place where time slows, birds sing and the seasons are measured in blossoms and harvest. Tavares shared that the listing represents more than a transaction, describing it as the passing of a cherished property to its next steward, someone ready to carry forward the orchard’s legacy of abundance and charm.
Reach out at 408‑309‑5471 for additional information.
The Monterey Bay Area Cactus and Succulent Society is hosting its Fall Show and Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Portuguese Community Hall, 124 Atkinson Lane, Watsonville. The show/sale will feature a wide selection of cactuses, succulents, pottery, books and garden utensils. Experts will be on hand to answer questions, and visitors may vote for their favorite plant, pottery or photo in the People’s Choice Show. Each attendee will receive a free plant while supplies last. Admission and parking are free.
Go to mbsucculent.org for information.
Check out the London Nelson Community Center Garden Club at 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday in the garden at 301 Center St., Santa Cruz. Do you have a green thumb? Or want to learn basic gardening techniques? All skills levels and ages welcome to join the London Nelson Garden Club. Projects include a pollinator and butterfly garden, and utilizing worm and composting bins. Community happens here.
Call 831-420-6180 to learn more or stop by and check it out. Led by local gardener Tom Fordham and CJ.
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