LIVE OAK

Annual Glass Pumpkin Patch coming

The annual Live Oak Glass Pumpkin Patch returns for one weekend only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 28-29 at 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz. Beautiful handmade glass pumpkins, gourds and witches’ hats will be available in an array of colors, in all sizes, and for every budget. Everything is handcrafted in the Davenport glass blowing studio. No purchase is required — all are welcome to come enjoy the outside garden and beautiful glass. There will be plenty of free parking in the grange parking lot.

Visit chrisjohnsonglass.com/events for information.

LIVE OAK

Join local plant exchange in the p.m.

Join fellow gardeners for the free monthly Santa Cruz Garden Exchange from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. Park in the northern rows of the parking lot away from the building. Gardeners are welcome to bring seeds, bulbs, succulents, houseplants, veggies, fresh flowers, informational material or any garden-related items to trade within the garden community. You do not need to bring something in order to participate and you must take back anything not given out.

Email santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com with questions.

APTOS

Gardeners’ Club hosts monthly meeting, plant sale

The Gardeners’ Club meeting and presentation by Lise Bixler will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Drive, Aptos. The Gardeners’ Club consists of gardeners living in Santa Cruz County with a shared love of plants and their nurture. Plants at bargain prices are also featured at the monthly plant sale. Gardeners of all skill levels and from all areas are welcome. Refreshments are served at the monthly meetings except at the spring and fall plant exchange. Visitors are welcome. Monthly club members enjoy featured speakers at monthly meetings, a great monthly newsletter, plant sale table, and friends to share and learn with. The meeting place is ADA accessible.

Visit thegardenersclub.org for information.

SANTA CRUZ

Volunteer Opportunities at the UCSC Arboretum

Sign up to volunteer at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum. The Arboretum & Botanic Garden at UCSC has a wonderful community of garden enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels who are eager to welcome you. Volunteer groups meet weekday mornings to help weed and maintain the gardens. Opportunities are also available at Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop with shifts Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. and or 1-4 p.m. Scheduling is flexible and volunteering can begin anytime.

Email jnorvell@ucsc.edu for more information or visit arboretum.ucsc.edu/support/volunteer for an application.

SANTA CRUZ

Shared Adventures Garden Club held weekly

Come get your hands dirty, your heart happy, and your mind clear, gardening is therapeutic. From 11 a.m. to noon every Thursday Shared Adventures Gardening Club meets at Common Roots Farm, 301 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz. There are raised ADA garden beds to work in and ADA paths as well. Show up, sign in and help out. It’s a fun atmosphere and adaptable to all abilities.

Email sharedactivities@yahoo.com for information.

WATSONVILLE

County Fair features new attractions, events

The Santa Cruz County Fair at 2601 E Lake Ave., Watsonville is set to kick off with a theme of “Pioneer Ways to Modern Days,” running from Sept. 11, through Sept. 15. This year’s lineup includes carnival rides, livestock and horse shows, and two monster truck shows. New for this year is a drone show. Attendees can also explore exhibits from across the county.

Purchase tickets at santacruzcountyfair.com.

BEN LOMOND

Native Plant Sale Fundraiser to benefit SLV teachers

The September Native Plant Sale will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at Highlands Park Senior and Community Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond. The event, hosted by San Lorenzo Valley Native Habitat Restoration Program and The Valley Women’s Club of San Lorenzo Valley, features a diverse selection of plants from Central Coast Wilds, all specially selected for their resilience and ecological benefits. All proceeds from the sale will directly support environmental and art grants for San Lorenzo Valley teachers, helping to cultivate a brighter, more sustainable future for our children. Volunteers are needed to help make this event a success. Volunteers will have the opportunity to purchase any unsold plants at half-price when the sale ends. If you’ve got your eye on something special, you’re also welcome to buy full-price plants during the sale. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can sign up at vwcslv.ivolunteer.com/native-plant-sale-92824. The entire community is invited to come together to support these vital initiatives. Whether you choose to volunteer, make a purchase, or come to learn more, your involvement is crucial in creating a lasting impact.

Email info@slvhabitatrestoration.org for more information.

The Garden Digest is compiled by Jesselyn Rego. To submit items for the calendar including events, meetings, resources, or anything garden related, email sentinelhomeandgarden@gmail.com.