APTOS
Cabrillo Cottage Farms to celebrate grand opening
Cabrillo Cottage Farms will celebrate its grand opening Sunday at 4461 Porter Gulch Road.
Visitors can explore the farm, browse the farm stand and learn more about the farm’s seasonal offerings, flowers and locally produced goods. The event marks the beginning of the summer season at the Aptos property.
For information, visit cabrillo-cottage-farms.com.
WATSONVILLE
Farmer-led harvest parties at Birdsong Orchards
Birdsong Orchards will host Farmer-Led Harvest Parties, starting Saturday at noon and 2 p.m., and throughout the 2026 harvest season at its Watsonville orchard, 613 Lakeview Road.
Guests will join the farmer in the orchard to learn what fruit varieties are currently in season, where to find the best picking and how to select fruit at peak ripeness. The guided harvest experience is designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the orchard while enjoying fresh-picked stone fruit.
Advance reservations are required. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Harvested fruit is sold separately at current market rates. Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable bag, water bottle, sun protection, sturdy closed-toe shoes and layered clothing. Water refill stations are available on site.
You-pick fruit is available exclusively at the Birdsong Orchards Watsonville location.
For schedules, tickets and more information, visit birdsongorchards.com.
SANTA CRUZ
Homeless Garden Project to host Sustain Supper fundraiser
The Homeless Garden Project will host its annual Sustain Supper June 20, at its Natural Bridges Farm on Shaffer Road at Delaware Avenue.
The farm-to-table fundraising dinner will feature locally sourced cuisine, live music by Sweeter Still, farm tours, local beverages and guest speakers, with proceeds supporting the organization’s programs for people experiencing homelessness.
Keynote speaker Mai-Nadine Nguyen, a James Beard Award-winning farmer, policy strategist and food systems advocate, will discuss equitable and sustainable agriculture. The evening will also feature cuisine from chef Estevan Silva of Studio Estepan in Oakland and chef Andrea Mollenauer, owner of Lifestyle Culinary Arts and chair of Cabrillo College’s Culinary Arts program.
The event celebrates community, local food and the Homeless Garden Project’s mission of providing job training, transitional employment and support services to homeless individuals.
Tickets and information are available at tinyurl.com/sustain-supper-2026.
LIVE OAK
Early morning garden exchange, garden tours all season
Join fellow gardeners for the free monthly Santa Cruz Garden Exchange from 8-9 a.m. June 27 in the parking lot of Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave.
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. Come to the Garden Exchange at 8 a.m., look for your host Kim, who will be passing out the tour address. Bring plants, cuttings, seeds or just yourself to swap and connect. Then just before 9 a.m., head over to the first garden tour of the day.
If you would like to host a workshop, call 831-515-7162 or email santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com.
SANTA CRUZ
Master Gardeners to present seed-starting workshop
UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties will host the Amazing Seeds workshop June 27 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the community room at the Santa Cruz Downtown Library at 224 Church St. This is a free event.
The workshop will explore how seeds germinate and grow, while teaching practical seed-starting techniques gardeners can use at home. Participants will learn how to give seedlings a strong start and gain confidence growing plants from seed. The program is designed for both new and experienced gardeners interested in improving their gardening success.
For information, visit ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-monterey-santa-cruz-counties/event/amazing-seeds.
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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