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Community Events

Apr 21
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Science Cafe – Plants, Perfumes, and Poisons – May 1

By Community Events, Lafayette Library and Learning Center, News & Events

Wednesday, May 01, 2013 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Community Hall | Lafayette Library and Learning Center

Science Cafe – Plants, Perfumes, and Poisons

Curious about what makes a stinking hellebore stinky? What makes leaves turn color in fall? Organic chemist Dr. Margareta (Greti) Sequin, author, plant enthusiast and Lecturer Emerita at San Francisco State University comes to the LLLC to talk about the plants we love, and the things we love about them – like their scents, oils and colors. She’ll share her vast knowledge of California native flora and their pleasing and poisonous properties.

Dr. Sequin will lead us on a virtual, photo-illustrated walk around the vicinity of the Lafayette Library and surrounding nature areas to explore the smells and defensive substances of native plants. Plants are masters at defense, in the form of tough skins, thorns, or sharp spines, but also in the form of bitter saps, sticky resins, or poisons that can harm. We will look at plants that contain defensive substances and examine their molecular structures….no previous chemistry knowledge required! We’ll also explore the connections with human uses of these plant substances, such as commercial fragrances or medicines.

More information here.

Apr 18
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Big Turnout

By Community Events, Gardening Tips, Outdoor Learning Center

More than 30 members and friends of the Garden turned out for the April 13 class on Irrigation and New Norms for California Landscape.  EBMUD’s Scott Sommerfeld did a great job and we did some hands on training while learning how to assemble drip systems.

Sign up now for the last class this spring:

May 11     1:30 – 3pm  – Creating and Enjoying a Butterfly Garden

 Join Pamela Winther, Landscape Architect and Adjunct Professor at DVC to learn all about butterfly gardens and the beauty and delight they bring.  She’ll tell us the best plants to grow, what conditions they need to flourish, and which beauties you’ll find in your garden.  We’ll explore the Community Garden’s new butterfly garden and maybe find some visitors.

irrigation

Apr 08
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Let’s Celebrate Spring!

By Community Events, News & Events, Outdoor Learning Center

The Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center is sponsoring this spring fundraising event. Please join us in this fantastic opportunity to explore Mount Diablo with new eyes.

Sunday May 5, 2013 wildlife biologist and naturalist Jim Hale will lead a natural and cultural history interpretive hike to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. We will meet Jim at the parking lot and staging area to the preserve at 8:30 A.M. for a brief introduction and orientation. At 9 A.M. we will depart on a 5-mile moderate loop saunter as Jim interprets the medicinal and edible uses of wildflowers and native plants. He will introduce us to wildlife and several Native American sites, including Volvon villages, hunting blinds, ceremonial cupule rocks, a prayer circle, bedrock milling stations and other resources. We expect to return by 3 in the afternoon.

Bring a lunch and plenty of liquids. Wear appropriate clothing and hiking shoes. We can carpool from the Community Garden or you can meet us at the staging area. Morgan Territory Preserve can be reached by taking Ygnacio Valley Road to Clayton. Take a right on Marsh Creek Road for three miles. Turn right on Morgan Territory Road and continue for 9.4 miles to the staging area at the top of the ridge on the left.

Cost: $30/individual; $50/Family This is a tax-deductible donation to Lafayette Community Garden. Limited space is available. To register, email Beth Ferree at bethferree@comcast.net.
Jim Hale

Mar 17
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I’ts “Bugs Week” at the Library

By Community Events, Kids, Outdoor Learning Center

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!!! It’s Bug Week at the Lafayette Library!

Designed for: Kids (5-11), All Ages, Young Children (0-5)

It’s Bug Week! Lots of fun activities all week! Storytimes & crafts! Bug visitors and a chance to go find your own beautiful bugs! Stop by the Lafayette Library & Learning Center for more details!!

On Saturday March 23, from 12-1 PM kids can come to the Garden and Dig around in the Worm Bins!

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Ladybug

Mar 14
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Plant A Flower Day

By Community Events, Kids, Outdoor Learning Center

In honor of “Plant a Flower Day” the Lafayette Library and Learning Center came to the Lafayette Community Garden last Saturday for a joyous event of stories, crafts, and planting. Fifteen children and ten adults came to hear children’s librarian, Ginny Golden, read three books about sunflowers and their life cycles. After the stories Ginny showed children how to make brown paper planting baskets complete with sunflower planting markers. After filling their baskets with garden soil, the children planted sunflower seeds to take home. Gardeners Martha Harris, Janet Thomas and Lynn De Jonghe felt privileged to assist with the project, and the entire garden community helped to ready the education site. A delightful time was had by all.

Many thanks to all who contributed to the success of the event.
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Pant a flower day at the Garden

Pant a flower day at the Garden

Mar 05
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Do It Yourself Plant Propagation

By Open House

Don’t forget this Saturday, March 9 from 1:30 – 3pm, you can learn how to do your own plant propagation.

Kathy Echols, retired teacher of horticulture from DVC and respected expert on propagation, will get you excited about propagating your own plants. Learn how to start seeds and cuttings, care for them in the early stages of growth, and prepare them for transplanting to pots or your garden. You will also learn how to save seeds from your favorite vegetables to grow the next year.

See other Outdoor Learning Center activities here.

Have you forgotten what the Lafayette Community Garden used to look like?
LCG - July 24, 2011