LIVE OAK
Garden exchange schedule update
The Santa Cruz Garden Exchange evening gathering scheduled for April 8 has been canceled. The early morning exchange will continue as planned from 8 to 9 a.m. April 25 at the Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave.
Garden tours are underway for the 2026 season, with events scheduled through September. For more information or to participate, call 831-515-7162 or email santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com.
SANTA CRUZ
First Friday event celebrates ‘Art of Nature’
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History will host a special First Friday event celebrating its “Art of Nature” exhibition from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at 1305 E. Cliff Drive.
The flora-themed evening will feature artist meet-and-greets, live demonstrations and opportunities to connect with local organizations focused on native plants and ecology, including the California Native Plant Society and the Norris Center for Natural History. The event includes free admission, an open bar and a food truck.
Visit santacruzmuseum.org for more.
SANTA CRUZ
Wilder Ranch State Park seeks artists for spring event
California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks are inviting artists to participate in “Art in Bloom,” set from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 25 at Wilder Ranch State Park.
The event will feature nature-inspired artwork displayed throughout the park. Artists working in a variety of mediums are encouraged to apply. A $50 vendor booth fee supports local parks, while informational or display booths are free. The deadline to apply is Saturday. For questions, email wilderranch@ports-ca.us.
CAPITOLA
Pints & Plants spring garden party
Pints & Plants San Jose will host a spring garden party April 26 at Sante Adairius Rustic Ales, 103 Kennedy Drive. There will be three workshops to choose from, scheduled for noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The event combines a casual social gathering with a hands-on planting experience. Each ticket includes a drink and the opportunity to pot a plant to take home. Organizers describe the event as a relaxed way to connect with others while enjoying a spring-themed garden setting.
Space is limited. Advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased at tinyurl.com/yzjedez5.
CAPITOLA
Spring bonsai, cactus and succulents show, sale
The Monterey Bay Cactus and Succulent Society will be hosting a free weekend-long bonsai, cactus and succulent 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, 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. A “plant hotel” will be offered so guests can store purchases while they continue shopping, and wide aisles with multiple checkout stations are designed to make browsing easy. 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. The event is open to the public. Visit mbsucculent.org/meetings for information.
APTOS
CNPS Santa Cruz to host Spring Native Plant Sale
The California Native Plant Society, Santa Cruz County Chapter, will host its Spring Native Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11 at Cabrillo College Horticulture, located at the Horticulture Center on Sanders Avenue at the top of the hill on campus.
The sale will feature a wide selection of California native plants suitable for local gardens. A list of available plants will be posted online before the event. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early, as plants often sell out. The event is held jointly with Cabrillo Horticulture. A shuttle will be available for transportation to the sale location.
Parking reminder: Visitors are asked to park in lower campus lots and take the shuttle or walk to the site so vendors can use the limited parking available near the horticulture area. Information is available at chapters.cnps.org/santacruz.
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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