SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Annual Dahlia Show, multiple locations
It’s that beautiful time of year to enjoy hundreds of captivating dahlias on display at the Monterey Bay Dahlia Society’s Annual Dahlia Show and Bloom Sales, happening Saturday and Sunday. The show is free and open to the public at the Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
There will be another opportunity to view the mesmerizing perennials at the County Fair Dahlia Show, also open to the public, Sept. 10-14 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.
For details, visit mbdahlias.org.
APTOS
Volunteer day at Cabrillo Cottage Farms
Join organic rose farm Cabrillo Cottage Farm, 4461 Porter Gulch Road, for a beautiful morning volunteering from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Help care for the roses and be part of the positive energy that keeps the farm blooming. Tools and refreshments will be provided, just bring your enthusiasm and love for flowers. You will go home with a bouquet of your own to enjoy. This is a free event, but space is limited. Please register at ccfvolunteerday.eventbrite.com.
APTOS
Last Rare Plant Swap of the season
Join the rare plant swap from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Willowbrook County Park, 2950 Willowbrook Lane. This will be the last swap of the year before the cold weather sets in. Whether you’re looking to trade, sell or just connect with local plant lovers, this is your last chance of the season to do it in person.
This plant swap is a buy, sell, trade and hangout event. No need to bring anything, just come and meet other local collectors in the Santa Cruz area. You are welcome to bring rare/uncommon plants, cuttings, corms, nodes, any plant accessories like pots, leca, soil additives or freebies.
Be sure to bring a bag or container to hold all your new plants/items. Please remember to keep it to rare/uncommon plants only. Plant sales are allowed but Santa Cruz Rare Plants is not responsible for any sales or trades not conducted personally. Contact any of the admins if you have any questions at fb.me/e/200FdwUXO.
SANTA CRUZ
How to grow native plants for year-round color
Join Master Gardener volunteers from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Branciforte Branch Library, 230 Gault St., as they share ideas for using native plants to provide year-round color in your garden. One of the easiest and most beneficial ways to ensure seasonal color in your garden is to include California native plants. The UC Master Gardener Program is a statewide program of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Register at santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/14307819.
SANTA CRUZ
UCSC Center for Agroecology’s Farmstand is open
The Center for Agroecology’s Farmstand, 94 Ranch View Road, is open to all every Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., through Sept. 25, and features organic vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers grown at the UCSC Farm and Alan Chadwick Garden. Find the farmstand at the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn near the base of campus. By shopping at the farmstand, you support agricultural education and research at UC Santa Cruz. Get discounted produce by signing up for a market share at tinyurl.com/Market-Share-Sign-Up. Students get 25% off produce, and EBT is accepted.
APTOS
You-cut roses available Saturdays through October
Cabrillo Cottage Farm invites the public to enjoy you-cut roses every Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at 4461 Porter Gulch Road, through October. This coastal garden offers guests a chance to stroll through blooming rose rows and cut their own fresh bouquets. It’s a relaxed, seasonal experience perfect for flower lovers and weekend wanderers. Make a reservation for $5. Minors 18 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must be 13 years or older to cut their own roses. There is no minimum, roses are $2 per stem and if you purchase a dozen or more, you will be reimbursed your reservation fee.
Tickets and information are available at ucutroses.eventbrite.com.
SANTA CRUZ
Garden Club on Wednesdays
Do you have a green thumb? Or do you 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. All skill levels and ages are welcome to join. Projects include pollinator and butterfly garden, as well as utilizing worm and composting bins. Led by local gardeners Tom Fordham and CJ. Community happens here.
Call 831-420-6180 to learn more or stop by and check it out.
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.
Originally Published: August 21, 2025 at 9:52 AM PDT
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