Events include a class on growing garlic, planting irises and more.
Sebastopol
Harmony celebrates Alexander Von Humboldt
Harmony Farm Supply and Nursery is hosting a day to celebrate the “Shakespeare of science,” Alexander Von Humboldt, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 13. Von Humboldt was a geographer, naturalist and explorer whose work on botanical geography laid the groundwork for the field of biogeography. Von Humboldt’s vision of nature still influences our understanding of the natural world. Although the memory of him has faded, his name lives on in the many references to him: over 1,600 places named after him; over 100 animal species named after him; almost 300 plant species named after him; and one place on the Moon. The celebration at Harmony features games, prizes, giveaways, a sale and presentations. Guest speakers include Erik Ohlsen, author of “The Regenerative Landscaper,” Randy Ritchie from Malibu Compost; Mark Ervin from GreenGro Biologicals; Elizabeth Kaiser of Singing Frog Farm; and Suzanne Bontempo of Our Water Our World. Admission is free. 3244 Gravenstein Hwy. North. 707-823-9125. harmonyfarm.com
Sebastopol
What does it take to grow ‘Great Garlic’? This expert panel of garlic growers will tell you
At this year’s annual Community Seed Exchange garlic-growing class, attendees will hear from a panel of enthusiastic and knowledgeable garlic growers about what it takes to grow a great crop of garlic. There are different ways to approach growing garlic. We will be convening a panel of experts to share their approaches and different ways to get a great crop. Join us for the class and then if interested select some garlic to grow out for the Chester Aaron Garlic Stewardship Program. Become a garlic steward and help care for our diverse collection. Sara McCamant with 30 years of garlic growing experience will moderate. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Oct. 25, at St.Stephens Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Free. Information: communityseedexchange.org
Petaluma
All about pruning fruit trees
Learn about fruit tree pruning for health, beauty and harvest bounty during a class offered by Daily Acts from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Cavanagh Center Food Forest, 426 8th St. Local arborist and farm and garden education Clare Riesman will teach and demonstrate how to prune citrus, stone fruit, fig, pomegranate and more — with an emphasis on summer pruning cuts. Admission is free, but space is limited. Registration is required. Visit dailyacts.org/upcoming-events so sign up.
Healdsburg
‘You Can Dig It’ iris class
Iris expert Roxie Nall will provide a hands-on demonstration on how to dig, groom and successfully plant irises now for beautiful spring blooms next year. The “You Can Dig It” iris class takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Russian River Rose Company, 1685 Magnolia Drive. The cost is $10 per person. Pre-registration is required and check-in starts at 9:45 a.m. To register, visit russian-river-rose.com/events_aug22.html or call 707-433-7455.
Sonoma
Saturday Harvest Markets at Sonoma Garden Park
Celebrate the bounty of the season from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the weekly Harvest Market, 19996 Seventh St. East, hosted at the Sonoma Garden Park. Each Saturday, the garden comes alive with fresh, sustainably grown produce, vibrant flowers, and farm-fresh eggs harvested from the park’s own fields, alongside offerings from local neighbors. You’ll also find regional favorites like honey and olive oil. Credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted — don’t forget your reusable shopping bag! Learn more about the Sonoma Garden Park at sonomaecologycenter.org.
Santa Rosa
Growing fruit year-round in Sonoma County
Are you interested in picking fresh fruit from your yard throughout all four seasons? Join Dr. Jeff Pierce at 11 a.m. Sept. 13, at the Roseland Regional Library, 470 Sebastopol Road, for a 90-minute discussion on how you can turn your yard into a lush fruit forest. The talk will touch on common and uncommon deciduous fruit trees, citrus, fruit vines and bushes, and less commonly grown gems like avocados. Organized by the UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County, 707-565-2621, scmglibrary@gmail.com. Registration Required: Go to tinyurl.com/5bkatp8n to complete your registration.
Windsor
Town Green Community Garden workday
Come on out for the Second Saturday Workday from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 13 at the Windsor Town Green Community Garden in the Windsor Town Green. Participants should bring a hat, gloves, water, and a favorite garden tool and spend some time working with fellow gardeners to maintain the common areas of the garden. (Weeding or raking pathways between the beds, cleaning birdbaths, tidying the greenhouse, washing the solar panels — anything that needs sprucing up.) All Community Garden plot renters are required to put in 6 hours a calendar year (about a half-hour a month) volunteering to maintain the common areas. For details, visit windsorgardenclub.org/calendar
Santa Rosa
Public tours continuing through October at Luther Burbank’s Santa Rosa Home & Gardens
Visit botanist Luther Burbank’s gardens in Santa Rosa. Drop-in, guided tours are offered 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. on Sundays through October. Admission: $12 for adults; $10 for children ages 12-18, seniors and college students; free for children under 12 with an adult are free. Tours include the home with its original furnishings, the greenhouse, a portion of the gardens, and a summary of Burbank’s life and achievements here in Santa Rosa, CA. Group Tours and Children’s Tours are available with advance reservations. Call 707-524-5445 or email burbankhome@lutherburbank.org to confirm availability. Please note: Pets are not allowed in the gardens. Service animals only.
Sonoma County
Curious about becoming a UC Master Gardener?
Have a love for gardening and a heart for community service? Applications are now open for the UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County’s Class of 2026.
UC Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise to help local residents with all aspects of home gardening and landscaping. As trained educators with the University of California Cooperative Extension, they share science-based horticultural knowledge—from composting and irrigation to fire-wise landscaping and plant health.
Join us at an information session where Master Gardeners will share first-hand what they do and answer your questions about the Master Gardener Program. Four sessions in August to choose from. For more information and to register go to https://tinyurl.com/ymvx4pb2.
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