News from the Garden

Issue 28 I March 2025

In like a lion. Out like a …

March 2025. Wet, dreary, and cold, with mere moments of sunlight and hope. A slow start to the season of rebirth. Compared with last year when the bounty of life was astounding, we still see trees with decaying leaves, patches of barren ground, and small pools of water from the frequent rain. A real world metaphor?

We used ritual to entice spring energy. A Coq au Vin to honor winter’s passing and encourage regular warmth and sunshine. A special new moon circle to release the past and invoke hope. A series of mandalas made of natural objects for our visitors to contribute to – building harmony, unity, and connection between ourselves and the natural world.

And possibility is evident. The weeping cherry with its curtains of small pink flowers; the tall, regal calla stalks; and the breathtaking, white clematis climbing up the fenceline and into the hedge, all reveal strength, beauty, and renewal.

As we move into April, perhaps Western Hills Garden and its intense, biodiverse coexistence can be a model as it bursts forth into full spring. Let’s take time to enjoy, to catch our breath, to realize that change is slow though constant, and that simple pleasures (like seeing leaves unfurl) bring calm presence. We hope to see you soon.

In the meantime, take a moment to savour the prescient words of our Poet Laureate and hometown hero, Ada Limón.

Upcoming programs.

Justin’s Hort Report.

Last week I drove south three hours from our little hamlet in Occidental down to UC Santa Cruz for the biannual BAGNet meeting. That's the Bay Area Garden Network, a collection of friendly folks representing public gardens and related institutions. This was only my second BAGNet meeting, but I felt much more comfortable this time around, having worked with several members who are part of our new Western Hills Garden Horticulture Advisory Committee. We met at the UCSC Arboretum and Botanic Garden, which has a huge Australian and South African collection, as well as an extensive native California section. But I was most impressed with the research projects they described, including wild seed collecting and mapping the native flora in three counties in California, over 1.5 million acres! Just goes to show botanical gardens do a lot more than just showcase pretty plants. Next time you're in Santa Cruz, be sure to stop by the university's gardens and get lost.

Local actions.

There are many ways to get involved right now to support your community and Sonoma County.

First, the Sonoma County General Plan is currently in revision. This Plan is reviewed and updated every ten years to consider future needs of the area – from land use and development to emergency response and disaster preparedness, access to services, and priorities for things like bike lanes and new parks. A number of open houses, webinars, and meetings are happening in the next few weeks. An online survey is available here. If you are a Sonoma County resident please take a moment to weigh in.

Secondly, the Press Democrat is currently finalizing nominations for the best of Sonoma County. Click here to nominate Western Hills Garden as a great place to take kids, a favorite nonprofit, or a thrilling excursion!

Finally, public libraries, museums, and botanical gardens are under threat with the recent executive order to suspend operations of the federal Institute of Museum and Library Sciences. Read the directive and the plan for reduced operations effective March 15, 2025. Call your local, state, and federal electeds and ask them to restore this important source of funding and leadership. We (like many others) have a pending grant that will now likely not even get reviewed this cycle. Your actions matter.

Shout outs.

We are excited to promote the upcoming SRJC Shone Farm plant sale. Mark April 26th from 9-1pm on your calendars in pen. This will be an opportunity to collect summer starts for your garden with a focus on CA natives and pollinators. Nicole Schlumberger, SRJC Horticulture Faculty and one of our esteemed Horticultural Advisory Committee members is one of the organizers of this sale along with some of her students. We love our partnership with the JC! Don’t miss out!