LIVE OAK

Garden exchange and workshop

Stop by the Garden Exchange for some fresh gardening inspiration for spring. Join the garden community for this month’s garden exchange and workshop, starting at 8 a.m. April 26 in the parking lot of Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave. Please park in the northern rows of the parking lot away from the building.

This is the ideal time to prepare your garden for a vibrant spring bloom. 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. Spread the word and tell your friends. Bring your questions, ideas and enthusiasm — and don’t forget to check out the Garden Exchange workshop “All Things Propagated” by educator, horticulturist and landscape designer Linda Beatham, right after at 9 a.m.

For questions, call 831-515-7162 or email santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Santa Cruz County Parks volunteer events

Community volunteer days are a fun way to be with others and beautify our parks and beaches! Volunteer days include fun activities such as painting, weeding, fence building, beautification, invasive plant removal and more. April and May opportunities include: April 23 gardening — weeding, mulching and planting succulents — at the County Government Building, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz. April 19 and May 18 will be Beautification Days at East Cliff Drive County Parkway in Santa Cruz. May 5 will see Park Beautification at Felton Discovery County Park at 6121 Gushee St., Felton. May 10 check out Pitch In All-County Cleanup Day at Pinto Lake County Park at 757 Green Valley Road, Watsonville. On May 17 and 31, Floral County Park, 656 38th Ave., Live Oak, will host a workshop on creating a native pollinator garden.

Visit parks.santacruzcountyca.gov/Home/FindaProgram/CommunityEvents.aspx for more volunteer events, locations, directions and more info.

SANTA CRUZ

Pleasure Point art and plant sale

Visit the spring art and plant sale, presented by local artist and avid gardener Linda Beatham, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 18 and 19, at 3175 Scriver St. The sale will feature five local artists and many one-of-a-kind creations for you to share. Super discount on succulents and paintings. Embrace the blossoming of spring together.

Visit lindabeatham.com for directions and details.

LIVE OAK

Santa Cruz Public Library hosts insightful talk

Join the community from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Saturday, at the Live Oak Library Annex Meeting Room at 979 17th Ave., for an insightful talk with Dr. Ann López, executive director of the Center for Farmworker Families, as she explores the harsh realities faced by California farmworkers. López will discuss how the North American Free Trade Agreement’s impact on small farms in Mexico has contributed to forced undocumented immigration to the U.S., and the challenges farmworkers continue to endure.

This event is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of these complex issues while fostering empathy and building connections within our community. López, an emerita professor with expertise in biology and environmental science, has long advocated for awareness of human rights abuses in the migrant circuit and has initiated many projects aimed at alleviating the suffering of farmworker families.

Visit santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/14241984 for more information.

CAPTIOLA

Mark your calendar for this double event

Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai and the Santa Cruz Orchid Society are teaming up for a joint show and sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4. The event takes place at the former Sears location in Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave.

This two-in-one event will feature more than 60 exquisite bonsai displays, along with orchids, educational exhibits, vendors, kids’ activities and raffle prizes. Experts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions, and admission is free.

Don’t miss this fun, family-friendly celebration of nature and artistry.

Visit santacruzbonsaikai.com for a detailed itinerary.

Neighborhood garden tours to benefit local church

Gardens for Peace Tour will be taking place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10. Tour five gardens around Santa Cruz featuring different styles: New Zealand, townhome patio, downtown Victorian, roses and mini orchard, woodland. Each location includes complimentary refreshments and a surprise. Admission is $50 for individuals or $120 for a car full. Proceeds will benefit the Peace United Church of Christ, an open, affirming and inclusive community at 900 High St.

Map provided with ticket purchase at eventbrite.com/e/gardens-for-peace-tickets-1302063810909 or contact kacozza@gmail.com.

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.