LIVE OAK

Annual Live Oak Glass Pumpkin Patch is here

The annual Live Oak Glass Pumpkin Patch returns for one weekend only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 1900 17th Ave., 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

Up early for Santa Cruz Garden Exchange, Garden Tours

Join fellow gardeners for the free monthly Santa Cruz Garden Exchange from 8-9 a.m. Saturday 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. Join The Santa Cruz Garden Exchange members in the first season of Garden Tours. Members will be departing together from the exchange at about 8:45 a.m. Grab a flier with the tour address by attending the garden exchange.

Email, santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com with any questions.

Community Center Garden Club is digging in

Do you have a green thumb? Or want to learn basic gardening techniques? 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. All skills levels and ages welcome to join the London Nelson Garden Club. Projects include pollinator and butterfly garden, and utilizing worm and composting bins.

Call 831-420-6180 to learn more or stop by and check it out. Led by local gardener Tom Fordham.

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.

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 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and or 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 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

Mark your calendars, it’s time to celebrate apples

Join the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Wilder Ranch State Park in celebrating the season with the annual apple tasting. If you’ve always wanted to know what apples grow well in our area and want to taste what freshly picked apples taste like, this event is for you. Bring your family and friends. Apple tasting will be held during the Heritage Harvest Festival at Wilder Ranch State Park.

Step back in time at the Wilder Ranch State Park Harvest Festival. Enjoy living history demonstrations, crafts, games, live music, food and more. Taste history during the apple tasting hosted by the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers. This event is free to members of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers; there is a $5 fee for non-members ($8 for couples and $10 for families).

Visit http://mbcrfg.org/events/list/ for more information.

SOQUEL

Plant Sale and Pumpkin Patch at Cabrillo College

Check out the Cabrillo College Horticulture Plant Sale and Pumpkin Patch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 12 featuring student-grown plants, you-pick pumpkin patch, and hydroponic greenhouse tours. Come enjoy the beautiful plants and vista point at the top of the hill. Student discounts available with ID cards. Shuttle rides available for overflow parking. Cash and check only. No dogs are allowed in the food production facility.

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.