WATSONVILLE

Winter rose care workshop coming

December through February is time to prune your roses, and it’s vital to their health that you do. Join Birdsong Orchard from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday for a workshop covering winter pruning and spring fertilization of roses, to set them up for a fabulous growing season next year.

You will cover pruning shrubs, garden variety and climbing roses at different ages of growth with a live demo in the rose field. There will also be a discussion on fertilizing in spring for new growth and preparing the ground for planting new roses in the winter as well. To keep things intimate, this workshop is limited to 25 people and is suitable for ages 16 and up.

Attendees are encouraged to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle. There will be about a half mile walk total on a gentle slope.

Reserve your spot at birdsongorchards.com/collections/workshops.

Garden Exchange kicks off 2025

Kick off 2025 with fresh gardening inspiration. Join the garden community for this month’s Santa Cruz Garden Exchange and workshop from 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday at the Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave. Park in the northern rows of the parking lot away from the building.

Hosted by Steven Lienhard, Grange Garden Committee chairperson, the workshop will focus on how to successfully start, transfer and plant tomatoes. The workshop will begin at 8:30 a.m., located in the greenhouse area. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this hands-on class will help you grow healthier, more productive tomato plants this year. As the cooler weather sets in, it’s an ideal moment 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. Evening exchanges will resume in February. Bring your questions, ideas and enthusiasm — and don’t forget to check out the Garden Exchange. Spread the word and bring a gardening buddy.

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

APTOS

Join backyard chicken keeping 101 class

Thinking about raising your own chickens, or want proven tips about care and how to add to your current backyard flock? Want the convenience of homegrown organic eggs and wish you had a rainbow in your egg basket? Want to supplement your compost and garden? Then spend the morning with Laura Menard at Four Acorns Farm, 5752 Freedom Blvd., to learn about the best breeds for a backyard coop, including information on egg color and production, bird temperament and meat vs. egg chickens.

There will also be advice about which breeds are heat/cold hearty, and which are free range vs. coop/run suitable, as well as chicken housing, including coop and run, needs and options and predator proofing. Additionally, feed options, chick care, general zoning and code regulations regarding chicken keeping will be available. You will leave with a better understanding of chickens and the commitment that goes into keeping them, as well as a resource packet.Please be sure to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. You will be standing and moving around the farm for most of the class time, and walking on unpaved paths.

For information about the class location, directions and parking please see the special notice sent after registration.

Class dates and registration available at cabrillo.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=14135#.

SANTA CRUZ

Free landlord workshop to be held online

Attend the 2025 Landlord Workshop at 2 p.m. Feb. 6, free on Zoom, for a webinar designed to help you stay informed about critical changes impacting the rental housing market.

This special training session will feature industry experts, including Cal-Quake and Kimball, Tirey, and St. John LLP, who will share valuable insights and strategies to protect your properties and support your tenants. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p3vdVHRJQASRcw_s45NA7g#/registration.

SANTA CRUZ

Garden Center offers spring rose pruning class

San Lorenzo Garden Center hosts a spring rose pruning class from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, held in the nursery at 235 River St. Join the Monterey Bay Rose Society at the nursery for a rose pruning demonstration by consulting rosarians. Learn to prepare your roses for a beautiful and healthy season. You will have the opportunity to discuss tried-and-true methods for pruning at planting time, soil prep and successful planting and selecting the best varieties for the Santa Cruz area.

Visit sanlorenzolumber.com/EventCalendar for information.

SANTA CRUZ

Volunteer work day slated in March

Spend the morning Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to noon working in the UCSC Farm Garden, 152 Farm Road, with fellow volunteers and Center for Agroecology staff. Tasks may include pruning, harvesting, mulching or weeding. Please come prepared with adequate shoes, water and sun protection. All the necessary tools will be provided. Heavy rain will cancel the event.

Visit calendar.ucsc.edu/event/volunteer-workday-in-the-garden for details.

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