Western Hills Garden News

News from the Garden

Issue 2 I April 2022

Spring is here.

The Zelkova has leafed out. The magnolias have come and gone. And the last of the camellias are showing off their color as the rhododendrons and azaleas come into their own. The frog chorus is back, and the birds are singing. The Garden is waking up.

If you’re receiving this newsletter you either opted into emails or were on a list shared with us by previous owners Chris and Tim Szybalski. We hope you will appreciate occasional News from the Garden.

We’ve been working hard the past six months, watching, learning, repairing, pruning, and weeding. And we’re ready to share (slowly) with all of you.

It’s a work in progress, for a lifetime.

Come for a day visit.

We’ve planned a few spring preview dates for day visitors, and newsletter subscribers are the first to know!

Come spend some time. Wander the paths and bridges, sit by a pond, and marvel at the many plant and tree varieties. Bring a friend or come alone. Sketch, write, muse, admire. Each visit block is for 90 minutes for up to 6 guests in a group.

All visits are by appointment only.

We’re starting with a flat price of $10 per person and will shift to more pricing categories soon, as we work out the kinks. (Membership opportunities are coming as well!) Children under 12 are free. No dogs for now.

Spring preview dates: April 30 • May 1 • May 7 • May 8 • May 22

Click the button below to schedule your visit today. Thanks for your patience as we learn all we don’t know!

SCHEDULE

Take a tour.

Would your group like a more in depth experience at Western Hills Garden to learn about our plant collection and history? Guided tours are a great option. Tours last about 90 minutes, and you are free to roam the property on your own afterward. We inherited an impressive docent manual and have a group of long-time guides who are excited to share their knowledge.

Cost: $20 per person. Discounted rates available for schools and nonprofit groups—please reach out for details. Email us for more date options or special requests.

BOOK

Enjoy a class.

We plan to offer a series of classes and workshops focused on horticulture and gardening, creative expression, environmental sustainability, and self-care. Our first class is a virtual one with long-time WHG volunteer and Master Gardener Janet Bair.

BASIC BOTANY FOR GARDENERS

Whether you are an established gardener or a budding garden enthusiast, a bit of basic botany knowledge will enhance your appreciation of the plant world.

Join us for an online, two lecture course, Basic Botany for Gardners taught by Janet Bair, a retired biologist, Master Gardener, and long time WHG volunteer

She’ll take us on a tour of the plant kingdom and offer insight into the major groups of plants and how plants function. We’ll also focus on the how-to’s of plant identification and learning common plant family characteristics to aid in recognition of related plant species.

Reserve your space by clicking the button below. A Zoom link to join each session will be in your confirmation. We’ll also email you a reminder a few days before. This fun and informative class is for gardeners with little botany knowledge.

Dates: May 17 & May 24
Time: 6:00-7:30
Cost: $30

Get in touch.

Are you are a photographer interested in scheduling a shoot? A nonprofit or school leader with a partnership idea? A journalist wanting to do an article? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to talk!
Email us at [email protected].