LIVE OAK
For the love of plants, evening garden exchanges return
Join fellow gardeners for the free monthly Santa Cruz Garden Exchanges from 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 11 and from 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 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. Six garden tours are scheduled from April through September. October is open for anyone interested in booking a fall tour. There are also multiple openings for those who would like to host an 8:30 a.m. workshop. To participate in the garden tour line up, or if you would like to host a workshop, call 831-515-7162 or email santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com.
APTOS
The Gardeners’ Club monthly meeting
The Gardeners’ Club will host its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 12, at Aptos Grange Hall, 2555 Mar Vista Drive. Special guest Renee Shepherd will present on cultivating sweet peas, sharing tips on growing, selecting varieties and getting the most fragrant, colorful blooms from your garden.
Attendees are encouraged to browse the plant sale tables, a favorite part of each meeting. The Gardeners’ Club monthly gathering is community-powered, with members donating plants to stock the tables and keep the selection fresh and interesting. Guests are invited to bring a plant to share or purchase a new one to take home. Memberships and plant sale proceeds go directly toward covering the rental costs of the local grange, helping ensure this welcoming space remains available for the club and the community.
More information is available at the club’s website thegardenersclub.org/community.php.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Farmers markets available throughout the week
Fresh, local produce is available throughout the week at several Santa Cruz County farmers markets. The Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market takes place Wednesdays from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at Cedar and Church streets. The Westside Farmers Market is held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Highway 1 and Western Drive in Santa Cruz, while the Felton Farmers Market runs Tuesdays from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 120 Russell Ave. In Scotts Valley, the farmers market is currently closed for the season and plans to return Saturdays in May at the Boys & Girls Club parking lot. The Watsonville Farmers Market offers its local selection Fridays from 2 to 7 p.m. at the downtown City Plaza.
To learn more, visit santacruzfarmersmarket.org/markets.
SANTA CRUZ
Rose society hosts pruning classes
The Monterey Bay Rose Society has several more rose pruning classes scheduled and invites the public to attend the free classes. Classes are on Saturdays beginning at 10 a.m. and last until noon. There are two remaining classes: Feb. 7 at Bokay Nursery, 30 Hitchcock Road, Salinas, and Feb. 21 at Alladin Nursery, 2905 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville.
Rose pruning classes are taught by American Rose Society master rosarians and consulting rosarians. They will share the latest in pruning techniques, growing and caring advice and answer your rose care questions. No reservations required. For information, contact Janey at 831-722-7958.
SANTA CRUZ
Beekeepers guild monthly meeting happening midweek
Join the Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild monthly meeting Feb. 4 from 7-9 p.m. at the El Rio Mobile Home Park Community Room at 2120 N. Pacific Ave., held the first Wednesday of each month. This month, distinguished guest speakers Amanda will be sharing insights on walk away splits and Debbie will be doing a brief talk on ordering bee packages. Whether you’re an experienced beekeeper or simply curious about bee breeding, this presentation will offer valuable insights into the future of sustainable beekeeping. All people interested in beekeeping are welcome, bring your questions.
Remember not to park inside the mobile home park or along the fence at Lenz Arts. Usage of the Lenz Arts lot is allowed. Metered street parking is also available if the Lenz lot is full. For information, visit santacruzbees.com.
CAPITOLA
Bonsai, cactus and succulents plant sale, show slated for April
The Monterey Bay Cactus and Succulent Society will be hosting a free weekend-long bonsai, cactus and succulents plant show and sale, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., all at the Capitola Mall in the former Sears location.
The event features 10,000 square feet of plants, pottery and horticulture supplies, wide aisles, two dozen specialty cactus and succulent vendors, handmade pottery, a plant hotel, specimen plant displays, expert advice, live demonstrations and conservation information. There will also be planting and re-potting demonstrations as well as a help desk to answer questions on how to take care of plants throughout the show and sale.
Guests are encouraged to bring a box for purchases or use one provided, and may pay by card, tap or cash. Coupons are accepted, and visitors can join the mailing list to receive one for a future sale. The plant hotel allows shoppers to store plants while enjoying the show. Saturday morning is typically the busiest; Sunday and Saturday afternoon tend to be less crowded.
Volunteer sign-up is open, and attendees can join as members for early entry. There will be free and accessible parking. Members may skip entry lines all weekend. Proceeds support the Monterey Bay Area Cactus and Succulent Society’s education and conservation programs. Visit mbsucculent.org/meetings for information.
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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