The Marin Art and Garden Center, the nonprofit public garden in Ross, has kicked off its 80th anniversary year with a fundraising effort, Sowing the Seeds Capital Campaign.

The funds raised will support the first phase of the newly approved master plan for capital improvements to the garden.

According to the Marin Art and Garden Center, “the initial work will focus on safety and accessibility, rehabilitation of historic buildings and the utilities that are equally as old. It will improve functionality, strengthen the garden’s infrastructure and overall financial health, ultimately keeping the gardens open to the public and free of cost.”

The work is set to begin at the end of this year with improvements focused on the area called “Celebration Plaza” near the Livermore Pavilion.

It will include an accessible garden entrance, an expanded plaza area and building improvements.

The nearby Northgate Building “will also be updated to better accommodate large group events and meetings.”

The garden will remain open and free to the public, and private events will still be held at select spaces, during the rehabilitation.

Nearly 40% of the anticipated budget of approximately $7.5 million for phase 1 has already been raised and the fundraising team is turning to the community to make up the difference.

To learn more about the campaign, to arrange a site tour of the project or to consider sponsorship opportunities, go to maringarden.org/sowingtheseeds">maringarden.org/sowingtheseeds.

Other ways to support

• Enjoy a night at the “Edible Garden,” the Marin Art and Garden Center’s annual culinary fundraiser, which will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 14.

Guests can explore the gardens; sample appetizers from participating restaurants, caterers and food purveyors; enjoy local artisanal food and beverages; enjoy live music; purchase paintings of the Marin Art and Garden Center’s gardens created by Cedars artists; bid on items in a live auction; and sit down to larger “bites” at outdoor tables under twinkling lights where more beer, wine, cocktails and desserts will be served.General admission tickets begin at $250 with various prices for groups or sponsors. Go to maringarden.org/ediblegarden">maringarden.org/ediblegarden.

• Become a member of Friends of the Garden.

Starting at the $100 level, supporters will receive 10% off select programs, including the popular Summer Concert Series.

Members at the $250 level will receive a discount for up to two tickets for the Edible Garden fundraiser.

Donations are tax-deductible. To learn more, go to maringarden.org/friends">maringarden.org/friends.

• Take a class, relax on the lawn during a summertime concert, enjoy a play by the Ross Valley Players or rent an indoor or outdoor space for a special occasion.

A monthly calendar and venue rental information are available online.

The Marin Art and Garden Center is at 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Ross. The garden is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. There is free parking in the parking lot. Call 415-455-5260 or go to maringarden.org.

Show off

If you have a beautiful or interesting Marin garden or a newly designed Marin home, I’d love to know about it. Please send an email describing either one (or both), what you love most about it, and a photograph or two. I will post the very best ones in upcoming columns. Your name will be published and you must be over 18 years old and a Marin resident.

PJ Bremier writes on home, garden, design and entertaining topics every Saturday. She may be contacted at pj@pjbremier.com.