WATSONVILLE
Birdsong Orchards opening weekend
Birdsong Orchards will kick off its 2026 season opening weekend from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 613 Lakeview Road, with the last you-cut check-in at 3 p.m.
Visitors can browse the farm stand featuring organic and handmade goods, including fresh flower arrangements, seasonal produce and house-made jams and butters sourced from orchard fruit. Guests may also reserve or purchase a you-cut rose experience, with pricing set at $50 per bucket or $20 per cup.
The farm offers a relaxed, outdoor setting with opportunities to explore, shop and enjoy time in the orchard. You-pick fruit is expected to begin in June, depending on seasonal conditions, with stone fruit anticipated later in the summer.
For reservations and information, visit birdsongorchards.com.
WATSONVILLE
Portable edible gardening workshop offered
A hands-on workshop, “Portable Edible Garden: Grow Food in Small Spaces – Session 1,” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Pinto Lake County Park Demonstration Garden, 757 Green Valley Road.
Hosted by UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, the session will guide participants in building a portable garden using grow bags suited for patios, balconies and small spaces. Attendees will choose seasonal vegetables and herbs, learn planting and care techniques, and take home a planted container.
All materials are provided and no experience is required. For information, visit ucanr.edu.
APTOS
Mother’s Day tea set at Thomas Farm
A Mother’s Day tea will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 9 at Thomas Farm, 1690 Pleasant Valley Road, hosted by Farmhouse Hens.
The event invites guests to celebrate Mother’s Day in a relaxed farm setting with tea, light bites and time to gather with family and friends. Organizers describe the experience as a cozy spring afternoon designed to slow down, connect and enjoy simple pleasures in a scenic outdoor environment. Attendees are encouraged to bring loved ones and spend time together enjoying seasonal treats and conversation in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Tickets and information can be found at tinyurl.com/y9r69jjb.
SANTA CRUZ
Beekeepers guild to host May meeting
The Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild will meet at 7 p.m. May 6 at the El Rio Mobile Home Park, 2120 N. Pacific Ave., for a presentation by Karla DeLong focused on preparing hives for summer.
Topics will include reevaluating beekeeping goals, making honey or splits, early mite management and techniques such as checkerboarding and seeding frames. The meeting is open to members and guests interested in beekeeping.
Attendees are asked not to park inside the mobile home park or along the fence at Lenz Arts. Metered street parking is available if the Lenz lot is full. For information, visit santacruzbees.com.
SANTA CRUZ
Berry You-pick returns at UCSC Farm
Berry You-pick will be held 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the UCSC Farm, 152 Farm Road, offering organic strawberries and blueberries while supplies last.
Blueberries are expected through June, with strawberries continuing into the summer. You-pick will not be held June 13 due to campus commencement.
Free parking is available in the Hay Barn lot and in lots 115 and 116. Participants should walk to the blueberry plot to prepay and collect containers. The site includes uneven, hilly terrain; accommodations may be requested in advance. Credit card payment is required via QR code. For information, visit agroecology.ucsc.edu.
WATSONVILLE
Wetlands Watch to host native plant sale
Watsonville Wetlands Watch will host its annual Spring Native Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center at Pajaro Valley High School, 500 Harkins Slough Road.
The sale will feature a wide selection of native and drought-tolerant plants suited to the local climate, with more than 80 species available. Staff, volunteers and UC Master Gardeners will be on-site to answer questions and assist with plant selection, and visitors can tour the demonstration garden.
Proceeds support wetlands restoration, environmental education and community programs in the Pajaro Valley. For information, visit watsonvillewetlandswatch.org.
SANTA CRUZ
Morning volunteer event supports Grey Bears
Morning volunteering with Grey Bears will be held from 7-9 a.m. May 29 at Grey Bears, 2710 Chanticleer Ave.
Hosted by the Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors, the event invites community members to help prepare grocery bags filled with fresh produce and healthy staples for local seniors. Volunteers will assist in assembling and organizing weekly deliveries that support food access across Santa Cruz County.
To sign up or for information, email aharbert@mysccar.org.
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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