Community Corner
Bargains Grow on Trees Thanks to Arbor Day
A sampling of garden events just around the bend.
California officially recognizes Arbor Day during the week of March 7-14, according to the Arbor Day Foundation’s website. Some states opt for tree celebrations based on the proper time to plant in that climate. So tree celebrations have dotted the calendar from late winter through early spring. “That’s a good thing,” said Mark Derowitsch of the Arbor Day Foundation in Nebraska, home of J. Sterling Morton, the holiday’s founder.
Join for $10 and receive 10 trees. For those who wonder just a teeny, tiny bit about tree huggers, here’s a chance to get over it. Just take the 10 trees and keep moving. Your six month membership will get you 10 climate appropriate trees. The singular disappointment is only one is a California native (Populus tremuloides, Quaking Alder). The apple, peach and pear trees cannot be shipped to California, but that’s not such a letdown. The chilling requirements are not listed for these varieties so might not be appropriate here anyway. A good selection of flowering cherry trees that are successful in our growing zones are included in the offerings. You’ve been warned: the ship time for most trees to our area is November, so don’t dig that planting hole just yet.
Find out what's happening in San Marinowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In March, the commemorated Arbor Day by . The San Marino Chinese Club usually plants one tree every year in honor of Arbor Day, but 10 trees represented the that takes place this year. Commemorate Arbor Day locally by strolling in Lacy Park and admiring the newly-planted trees or to find out how to get involved in a future Arbor Day.
Arbor Day Tree Walk & Talk in Sierra MadreSaturday, April 30, 9 a.m. to noon
A public park is a great place to see the best and sometimes the most difficult situations for trees to thrive in. Certified Arborist Jan Scow shares extensive tree-care information during a guided walk through Memorial Park. Pruning tips, disease and decay prevention, right-tree-right-location examples, and how to judge and appreciate the value of your residential trees. (Hint: shade, noise reduction, oxygen production, erosion control, water retention = priceless.) Reservations recommended via the Sierra Madre Public Works Department 626-355-7135.
Find out what's happening in San Marinowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Saturday April 30, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In 1991, the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District teamed up with the U.S. Forest Service for an ongoing watershed restoration project. Four times a year, local San Gabriel Valley volunteers exit at Azusa off the 210 for Rincon Fire Station to do what needs to be done to save water by planting oaks and Jefferson pines.
Planting trees to save water is proactive, rather just simply bargaining with fate. Elena Layugan, Conservation Coordinator for the USGV Municipal Water District, reminds Patch that the root systems of trees create more porous soils which absorb more water than bare ground. “I give a brief introduction at the beginning of the work day,” Layugan said, “to review the need for reforestation to control run-off, especially in fire-scorched areas.” One of the planting sites is Valley of the Moon, currently a locked site. “This was completely wiped out in the fires several years back,” said Layugan.
What to expect on this day? In case of rain or freezing conditions the event will be cancelled, as was the March 16 restoration day. Elevation, according to trails.com is 3,271 feet, which could mean cooler temps than in San Marino (564), Sierra Madre (980), Altadena (1358), or Beverly Hills (0).
Reservations are not required, but 60 to 240 participants is not unusual. No age limit, but youth must be properly supervised by parents or guardians. Many high school students come for community service hours, but people of all ages participate.
Do wear casual clothing, sunscreen, a hat, gloves if you like. “Be prepared to get your hands dirty,” Layugan said. “It just happens.” Bring drinking water and your own lunch. Shovels and instruction will be provided. Do depart with a full tank of gas, as the work area is at least seven miles from the freeway. Don’t buy a U.S. Forestry parking pass for the day. Designated parking will be available, and parking stickers will be distributed as needed. Restroom facilities will be available. Shovels are provided. Not for the restrooms, for the plants. For more information call San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District 626.443.2297.
And just around the bend, National Public Gardens Day, May 6
Get your spring on! Roses will be at their peak with our exceptionally wet winter, songbirds are bursting forth and of butterflies are enjoying nectar season. Best of all, the following gardens are free, thanks to Better Homes & Gardens with print-out coupon found at their website: www.bhg.com/gardening/celebrate-national-public-gardens-day. Don't forget the has a free day each month. Go here to reserve one of the coveted free day tickets.
Local selections:
Descanso Gardens - descansogardens.org
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden - rsabg.org
Or, take a drive north or south for a fresh garden perspective:
Alta Vista Gardens - altavistagardens.org
Quarryhill Botanical Garden - quarryhillbg.org
The Ruth Bancroft Garden - ruthbancroftgarden.org
San Diego Botanic Garden - sdbgarden.org
San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers - conservatoryofflowers.org
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden - slobg.org
The Santa Barbara Botanical Garden - sbbg.org
The Water Conservation Garden - thegarden.org
The UC Botanical Garden - botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
