Wednesday, September 8, 2010
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

California Native Plants:  Gardening with the Senses
Bart O'Brien
Director of Special Projects
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont

California native plants are ideally suited to bringing all five senses – touch, smell, taste, hearing and sight – to home gardens. This program offers Bart’s favorite species and cultivars for local landscapes.

Bart is co-author of California Native Plants for the Garden and Care & Maintenance of Southern California Native Plant Gardens. Regardless of where you live or your level of horticultural expertise, Bart will help you discover the joys of growing California's remarkable plants.

Program Location:

Katy Geissert Civic Center Library
Community Room
3301 Torrance Boulevard
Torrance, CA 90503 Map

Monday, September 13, 2010
Doors open 7:15, Program starts at 7:30 PM

California Native Plants That Grow Well in Our Area
Speakers:
Tony Baker and Ric Dykzeul
Assistant Horticulture Co-Chairs, South Coast Chapter CNPS

One of our popular traditions is having native plant gurus Tony and Ric as our featured speakers just before our annual plant sale. Their discussion will include some of the plants that we will be selling on Friday, October 1 (members only) and Saturday, October 2.

You can expect to see many samples of foliage and ask as many questions as you want!

Get out your pencils and shopping lists so you will be ready to plant. Remember - - Fall is the best time to plant California Natives.

Program Location:

South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Boulevard
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 Map

Monday, October 4, 2010
Doors open 7:15, Program starts at 7:30 PM

Grass, Not Lawn: California Native Grasses in the Garden
Barbara Eisenstein
Research Associate, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Horticulture Chair, CNPS – San Gabriel Mountains Chapter

Since developing and running the garden hotline at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Barbara Eisenstein has continued offering advice and encouragement to those interested in sustainable gardening with California native plants. She shares information through articles, a website (www.weedingwildsuburbia.com), lectures and workshops.

Did you know that some native grasses can live to be hundreds of years old? They are important for erosion control and provide critical habitat for birds and other animals, yet they are found in the some of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. This presentation will focus on the garden use of this fascinating but under-utilized group of plants.   A slideshow will provide information on specific grasses and their garden needs. Pictures of lovely, grassy gardens will give you ideas on how to incorporate them in your own garden.

Program Location:

South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Boulevard
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 Map