Nonprofit Spotlight
Exercising That Green Thumb! By Carole Wynstra, Resident since 1981
D
o you love to garden? Would you like to learn more about the correct way to prune a rose bush, or how to propagate plants? The Gardens at Heather Farm, a 6.5 acre public garden which sits alongside Heather Farm Park, relies on our garden volunteers to keep the garden looking its best year around. The Gardens at Heather Farm, a 47-year old non-profit organization, built and maintains the public garden for the enjoyment and education of our community about plants that thrive in our summerdry climate. The grounds also provide excellent examples of landscaping features, such as water permeable walkways, that encourage good stewardship of the environment. The Gardens are open to the public, free of charge. The Gardens relies on volunteers to help maintain the grounds, as well as to propagate new plants for use in the garden and for plant sales. A beautiful new greenhouse and shadehouse for propagation activities have just been built at the rear of the gardens, providing an improved plant nursery facility. Whether you are a seasoned gardening veteran or are new to gardening, there is an opportunity for you to volunteer to help this local non-profit and work alongside experienced volunteers. Our garden volunteers donate over 8,000 hours in the gardens each year, and the majority of the volunteers have been active for more than ten years. Volunteers meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and work until noon, taking a break at 10:30 a.m. for tea/coffee and socializing. Volunteers can simply arrive at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays and come to the rear of our building at 1540 Marchbanks Drive, and we will partner you with an experienced volunteer for an enjoyable morning of gardening. The Gardens also hosts corporate volunteer days for local businesses looking for a team-building activity or an opportunity for employee volunteering. If your business is interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please contact Executive Director, Joan Lucchese, at (925) 947-0571. 14
DECEMBER 2018
