SANTA CRUZ
Earth Day celebration returns downtown
Earth Day Santa Cruz will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in downtown Santa Cruz along Pacific Avenue, Cooper Street and Abbott Square Market.
The free, family-friendly event will feature live music by SambaDá, face painting, a photo booth, flower crown making and hands-on environmental activities, along with eco-friendly vendors. Children can participate in a Passport Program, collecting stamps at eight booths and redeeming a completed passport for a free scoop of ice cream or a cookie.
Organizers are also offering sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and community organizations. For information or to get involved, visit earthdaysc.org.
SANTA CRUZ
UCSC spring plant sale supports agroecology programs
The UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology will host its annual Spring Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 25 at the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, 94 Ranch View Road.
Shoppers can browse a wide selection of organically grown flowers, vegetables, herbs and strawberries cultivated by UCSC Farm staff, students and volunteers. Proceeds support hands-on education programs in sustainable agriculture. Friends of the Farm & Garden members receive 10% off purchases and early entry at 9 a.m., while UCSC students with valid ID receive 25% off. Payment options include cash, check payable to “UC Regents” or credit card via QR code checkout.
For information, visit events.ucsc.edu.
LIVE OAK
Morning garden exchange, garden tour
Join fellow gardeners for the free monthly Santa Cruz Garden Exchange from 8 to 9 a.m. April 25 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.
Santa Cruz Garden Exchange 2026 Garden Tours are happening now. There are nine garden tours scheduled through September. October is open for anyone interested in booking a fall tour. For tours, come to the Garden Exchange at 8 a.m., look for your hosts Susan and Linda, who will be passing out the tour addresses. Then just before 9 a.m., the group will head over to the first garden tour of the day.
To participate in the garden tour lineup, or if you would like to host a workshop, call 831-515-7162 or email santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com.
CAPITOLA
Spring bonsai, cactus and succulent 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.
CAPITOLA
Pints & Plants spring garden party set for April 26
Pints & Plants San Jose will host a spring garden party April 26 at Sante Adairius Rustic Ales, 103 Kennedy Drive. Workshop sessions are 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 and advance tickets are recommended. They can be purchased at tinyurl.com/yzjedez5.
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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