LIVE OAK
Winter garden exchange dates posted
Join fellow gardeners for the free monthly Santa Cruz Garden Exchange from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 27 in the parking lot of Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave. Park in the northern rows of the parking lot away from the building. Gardeners are welcome to bring seeds, bulbs, succulents, houseplants, veggies, fresh flowers, informational material, manure 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.
The Santa Cruz Garden Exchange 2026 Garden Tour sign-ups are open. Winter workshops sign-ups are also open, with December and January 2026 slots available. Please send requests to santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com. Evening exchanges have ended and will resume in the spring. For questions, call 831-515-7162 or email santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com.
APTOS
Late fall pruning of perennials and shrubs
Join UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties with Cabrillo College Horticulture for their in-person, hands-on session focusing on late fall pruning — part of their Home Gardener Days December session — from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Cabrillo Horticulture Center, 6500 Soquel Drive, Room 5005.
After a brief demonstration and orientation, you’ll join Board Certified Master Pruner and Cabrillo instructor Peter Quintanilla in the Cabrillo gardens for an opportunity to practice your newfound pruning skills. Quintanilla will explain the basic considerations of pruning your garden’s perennials in late fall/early winter. Part of this class will be conducted outside. Gloves, pruners, hats, sunscreen, layered clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Please arrive early for check-in. Free parking is available in the student lot at the top of the hill.
Be sure to check back for the Home Gardener Days classes, held on most second Saturdays of the month. This is a free event, but donations are appreciated. For information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/3j2c3mt3.
WATSONVILLE
Design your own live greenery wreath
Get crafty from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13 and learn wreath-making with live greenery under the open sky while you enjoy a cozy afternoon of community with Joli Handicrafts at Birdsong Orchards, 613 Lakeview Road. Joli Handicrafts is a crafting event facilitator who will walk you through each step to create a full-sized winter wreath for your door while enjoying refreshments. An assortment of greenery and goodies will be available to design a truly unique piece with all the guidance and encouragement you need.
Joli Handicrafts aims to foster community and create an environment where people can de-stress and build friendships. Tickets are $75. Visit tinyurl.com/4tanatns to purchase.
A wide variety of organic, in-season fruit at Birdsong Orchards is available for you-pick or for purchase at the farm — fresh, natural and rooted in sustainable farming practices. You can learn more or plan a visit at birdsongorchards.com or cabrillo-cottage-farms.com.
APTOS
The Gardeners’ Club white elephant, potluck celebration
December’s tradition is to gather to celebrate gardening, good food, good friends and the art of regifting. Join The Gardeners’ Club at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Aptos Grange Hall, 2555 Mar Vista Drive. Bring a dish to share, labeled for the benefit of members with dietary restrictions. Please bring a serving utensil, and if you share a hot dish, bring it already warmed. Plates, utensils and drinks will be provided. You are welcome to bring friends, spouses, significant others and family.
After the feast and conversation, the liveliest part of our meeting will start. Attendees can browse the silent auction tables and discover items we didn’t know we needed, and find perfect gifts for friends, families and ourselves. Bring unwanted oddities, jewelry, dishes, pottery, special plants, clothing, gardening items, gourmet goodies, bird feeders, tools, books, objets d’art and objets d’junk. You’ll be thrilled whether you want to get rid of things or you want to find bargains, gifts and treasures. No plant table this month.
Visit thegardenersclub.org for information.
SANTA CRUZ
Mushroom identification classes offered
Local instructor Paul Miller will offer Saturday classes this season on mushroom identification and information in the Santa Cruz area. Participants will learn how to identify local mushroom species and may take home edible samples to try. For information, email Miller at paulbug@yahoo.com.
SANTA CRUZ
Garden Club held 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.
WATSONVILLE
Holiday wreath-making workshop
Relax and recharge this holiday season with a hands-on wreath-making workshop Dec. 13 from 4-6 p.m. at Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farm, 172 Litchfield Lane. This workshop includes everything you need to create your own winter wreath: locally sourced greens, pods, fall foliage, tools and instruction from Farm Discovery staff. There’s nothing more gratifying than learning a new skill and supporting a local organization.
This workshop is limited to 15 people to allow ample creative space for all. Immerse yourself in nature, meet new friends and decorate your home naturally. Tickets are $70 per person, suitable for ages 13 and up. For info, email education@farmdiscovery.org. For ticket purchase, visit tinyurl.com/4pxs9xbt.
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.
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