WINTER 2023 Mad Potting in the Winter Little Free Library Lookin’ Swale Series BLOOM in
OUR MISSION
The mission of The Water Conservation Garden is to educate and inspire through excellent exhibits and programs that promote water conservation and the sustainable use of related natural resources.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022
President
Patrick Pilz
Vice President Jan Tubiolo
Secretary
Dr. Michael Hager, Ph.D. Treasurer Chris Coughlan
Liza Alia Tom Allingham Cheryl Minshew
Dr. Jessica Robinson, MSW Ed Woodruff STAFF
Executive Director
Jennifer Pillsbury
Director of Operations & Programs
Pam Meisner
Director of Development & Memberships
Janelle Wallace
Jenny Bauman
Angelina Byrd
Ria Custodio
Lisa Griffiths
Heather Hayes-Haigh
Jocelyn Herrera
Robert Hillman
Amelia Knezevich
Lauren Magnuson
Juliana Meirelles
Leilani Mendoza Sam Miller
Samantha Padilla Soozie Pickard Luke Pillsbury Jillian Quint Paul Redeker Tim Townsley
InBloomProduction
inBloom is published quarterly by The Water Conservation Garden and is provided as a benefit to members.
Content and photos by Garden staff, and Docents/Volunteers unless otherwise noted.
Cover Photo: Sally Long
Designer: Ria Custodio
Printer: Neyenesch Printing
message from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HOW DOES THE GARDEN GROW?
Often, decision-making is harder than we think, especially when it comes to a non-profit organization. Today non-profits are deeply challenged by an array of complex, changing, and urgent pressures that demand faster and smarter decisions than ever before. Non-profits need both financial sustainability and programmatic sustainability to carry out their mission that the community is relying on.
To do this great work it takes the entire community to step up and show support through donations, Board service, volunteer service, and strong partnerships with foundations and businesses. I am so proud of The Garden team of volunteers, staff, docents, members, and Board members that have united themselves to keep The Garden thriving in 2022.
There is even more work to be done in 2023, The Garden’s Strategic Plan calls for more partnerships, more programs, more Board members, more fundraising and sponsors. Ask yourself, can you help The Garden in any of those areas and show support of your community? Together we are stronger, wiser, and more sustainable. Together we are more.
Jennifer Pillsbury Executive Director/CEO
“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”
— James Cash Penney
Interested in joining a Non-profit Board of Directors?
We are actively recruiting new members (active business professionals and retirees) who are connected in the community with board experience and passionate about philanthropy. Visit TheGarden.org/board for more information.
The following are agencies that constitute the Joint Powers of Authority (JPA) that owns The Garden and provides major funding:
TheWaterConservationGarden
The Garden is managed by The Friends of The Water Conservation Garden, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, tax ID no. 20-4395919.
Hours of Operation
ConservationGarden
THE WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN
Open 9:00am-4:00pm, six days a week
Closed MONDAYS
Open late THURSDAYS 6:00pm
The Garden is FREE to the public the 2nd Friday of every month!
GIFT SHOP
Tuesday – Sunday | 10:00am – 1:00pm Extended hours for special events.
ADMISSIONS
Last admission to The Garden is 3:15pm Thursdays last admission is 5:15pm
HOLIDAYS AT THE GARDEN
Please note The Garden will be closed:
New Year’s Eve (Closes at 12 noon)
New Year’s Day
Easter Sunday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Eve Christmas Day
Get Social With Us! #wcgarden | Keep up with the latest on news, events and more!
WaterConservationGarden
WCGarden
1 • TheGarden.org
Mad Potting in the Winter
Unconventional Containers Meet Uncommon Plants
Writer & Photographer: Paul Redeker
Have you ever been inspired to plant something in anything other than a conventional or traditional container? Winter is about getting your creative juices flowing and a chance to pot-up something special. Take a break from planting in your garden, and instead add custom creations to your yard or patio.
At The Garden we like to refurbish, reuse, and recycle to reduce our carbon footprint. Now is your chance to look through your home, stop by a local resale store, and revisit your garden to see what items might work to contain soil and hold up to planting and watering.
In The Garden’s Veggie Land, you will spy an antique wheelbarrow falling over to spill strawberries creating a dramatic look and are a wonderfully edible treat. A gumball machine that was found at a local resale store makes an amusing novelty piece paired with a Senecio Rowleyanus (String-of-Pearls) succulent. The ball-shapedadapted leaves on a String-of-Pearls hold water making this plant conserve water and drought tolerant for an appropriate garden choice. Morning sun is preferred by this plant and afternoon shade creates the ideal conditions.
Bromeliads are another unique plant choice offering a selection of colors and flowers. Bromeliads can be both epiphytic or terrestrial (growing on another plant or in the ground, respectively) and require minimal roots as they derive much of their water and nutrients from air and debris. Plant varieties in the Bromeliad family include Tillandsias (Air Plants) that are also easy to grow and incorporate. Driftwood or a hollowed-out branch or tree make a beautiful choice as a natural resource to feature bromeliads. These varieties can be found in the Children’s Garden and more will be added to The Garden’s future exhibits.
Come to The Garden and look around at what you might find inspirational or unique to plant in your own special place at home. You’ll be surprised at what you come up with and great fun to create this winter season!
in THE GARDEN Winter 2023 • 2
Ms. Smarty-Plants™ and Dr. Seuss Team Up!
For more information about Ms. Smarty Plants™ or to donate to The
education programs, visit MsSmartyPlants.org MsSmartyP MsSmartyPlants Ms.SmartyPlants
with Ms. Smarty-Plants™
Garden’s
Lil’ Sprouts Storytime
Youth Education
Ms. Smarty-Plants™ and the Dr.
have partnered to bring literacy and nature journaling to The Garden. Funding from this grant has provided a Little Free Library in The Garden stocked with books, pencils, and nature journals for everyone. Thank you so much to the Dr. Seuss Foundation for making this happen! Come have some fun with us! 3rd Wednesdays, Monthly, 9:30am STORYTIME THEMES: January 18 – Owls* February 15 – Love March 15 – Leprechauns Borrow a book or leave a book! Take a nature journal and pencil! Explore The Garden! Little Free Library Little Free Library Little “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book!” -Dr. Seuss *We hope that our resident barn owls return to their Garden owl box. Keep an eye out, and fingers crossed! 3 • TheGarden.org
Seuss Foundation
Draco Tree
known as Dragon Trees or Madagascar Dragon Trees, Dracaena Marginata is a fun addition to any plant collection. With their twisty growth habit and variety of colors, they are reminiscent of the Truffula Trees in Dr. Seuss’ books.
A meltdown! JOKE OF THE DAY! What happens when a snowman has a temper tantrum? Plant Superstar! National Play Outside Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of every month! Come to The Garden, step away from the virtual world, and enjoy the great outdoors. Be sure to visit our Little Free Library and grab a free nature journal and explore! Share your drawing with us on social media @mssmartyplants. #MSPEarthHeroes #EarthHero #worldhabitatmonth #nationalplayoutsideday Earth Heros Call to Action! Winter 2023 • 4
Commonly
January, February, March 2023
FEATURED SERIES
Planting Water, Growing Soil
Wednesday, Jan 25, 3-4pm
Virtually on Zoom
Wild Made Design regenerates landscapes with simple water harvesting and land contour techniques.
Rainwater Collection Workshop
Saturday, Jan 28, 10-11:30am
La Mesa Community Garden
Best ways to catch water at City of La Mesa’s Community Garden, with Brook Sarson CatchingH20.
That’s Swale at The Garden
Saturday, Feb 4, 10-11:30am
Onsite at The Garden
Before you install plants, rain tanks, and grey water systems, be sure your landscape can handle and harvest as much water as possible - passively.
Tomatomania!
February, 9am-3pm
The Garden will be one of the first stops on the tour! Tomatomaniacs will hit the road with the most unique collection of classic and heirloom tomatoes anywhere FREE event entry!
SoulCollage© Spring Equinox
Sunday, Mar 19, 11am-1pm
Create cards to gain personal insight during this time of new beginnings, renewal, growth, and blossoming. Led by Shirla de Magalhães, LMFT. $12 MEMBERS / $18 General
VOLUNTEER DOCENT TRAINING (2 Days)
Mondays, March 2023, 8:30am-12:30pm
Details & Registration: TheGarden.org/volunteer
SEASONAL CALENDAR Online Seasonal Calendar
Scan code!
Lookin’ Swale! A trio of classes on water harvesting for home gardens.
trio of FREE classes!
Landscape Design Consultations Professional advice for water-efficient landscape projects. Photo credit: SDCWA TheGarden.org/consultations $70 MEMBERS / $85 General Monthly Virtual Appointments
Register now for these upcoming
In Partnership with County of San Diego, Helix Water District, and City of La Mesa.
5 • TheGarden.org
Garden Yoga Chair Yoga Fitness Classes Chi & Hathayasa Yoga Classes are FREE with a Wellness Membership. Drop-in $10 with a Basic Membership, $18 General. Visit TheGarden.org for a full schedule. Any changes due to weather are posted on Social Media. Garden Tours First Saturdays at 9am or by appointment at info@thegarden.org January, February, March 2023 The Fun Corner! TWONEWCLASSES! Ongoing Classes Scan for Details! Lost Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt March 12 - 19, During open hours with Garden entry Ms. Smarty-Plants™ needs YOU to help find her friend the Leprechaun. Follow the gold coin that lead to his hiding place! Wellness Membership Perks: Free weekly Wellness Classes. Exclusive access to Mind & Body Master Classes (COMING SOON!) Discounted Garden Yoga Retreats. Direct emails for class cancellations. People’s Choice Photo Contest Award Winner
Winter 2023 • 6
Marie Mellinger, Garden Member Zuma in The Garden
Meet Our Staff
Amelia Knezevich Volunteer Coordinator
Amelia, a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and hometown girl, joined The Garden in the spring of 2021 as the Volunteer Coordinator. Amelia loves an opportunity to dress up and have fun. She is passionate about the health of our world and the creatures that roam it. She enjoys teaching fitness and yoga classes at The Garden and in the community. Bringing people together to share joyful moments makes her heart sing. She also loves dancing and cooking, sometimes at the same time! A perfect day for Amelia would include doing yoga at The Garden, working with our volunteers, and finishing the day with a sunset swim and BBQ at the beach with her spouse, two amazing kids, and friends.
Volunteer Spotlight Kathryn Clayton
Kathryn Clayton retired from teaching second graders in 2013, and the following year, she joined the ranks of Garden enthusiasts and became a volunteer. The Garden serves as a place to learn current horticultural practices, to dig in the dirt, and meet like-minded friends. A passionate gardener since 4-H club days, in the past eight years she has worked in several areas including: Tri-team, Children’s Trail, and currently co-leads the Formal Garden/Topiary areas with Carol Stevens. Kathryn says that she works with the kindest, most prepared, and dedicated team members in The Garden.
Events & Happenings
Tomatomania returns to The Garden this February 2023 – FREE event entry!!!
Are you ready to join the Tomatomaniacs and grow great-tasting tomatoes in your own backyard?
Tomatomania is a crazy celebration of America’s favorite garden vegetable, and The Garden will be one of the first stops on the tour! Tomatomaniacs will hit the road with the most unique collection of classic and heirloom tomatoes anywhere. Four inch plants will be offered for sale in late February at The Garden from 9am - 3 pm.
Mark your calendars for this FREE event and prep your garden spaces now! Check TheGarden.org for details.
Host Your EVENT at The Garden
Be sure to stop by and pick up The Garden’s NEW book!
Looking for a gorgeous location to host your next off-site meeting or retreat? The Water Conservation Garden has indoor and outdoor locations to suit any meeting size! From our indoor, garden-view, technology equipped, The Samuel M. Ciccati Education Center; to our intimate and shaded small amphitheater; to our large Amphitheater for 350 people, we have the perfect space for your professional needs! For more information, visit TheGarden.org or email jennyb@thegarden.org.
DONORS October - November 2022
$5,001-$10,000 Rosalie Dosik
$501-$1,000
Liza Alia Amalia Bruning
Michael & Denise Hager Mark Mahigian
Jan Tubiolo
$100-$500
Donna Bartlett-May Linda Bethel Kirby & Ruth Beyer James Beyster David Block Kathy Chaisson Chris & Stacey Coughlan Ria Custodio
Nancy Dewees Luana Duprey Brenda Eklund Pearson Brian & Wendy Elliott Linda Espino Marilyn Harper Emma King Candice Lenney
CORPORATE & FOUNDATION Partners
Anonymous
Barona Resort & Casino
California American Water County of San Diego
County of San Diego – Department of Public Works Dr. Seuss Foundation
Grossmont Healthcare District
Hunter Industries
Hunter Nursery
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Rotary of El Cajon
San Diego Gas & Electric
San Diego Foundation
Kurt Markowski
Rose Masters
Leslee Newton-Reed Carolyn Post-Ladd Mary Rodriguez Richard Wright
San Dieguito Water District
State of California, Department of Water Resources Sycuan Casino & Resort
The Conrad Prebys Foundation
The Rice Family Foundation Union Bank
Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation Wheelhouse Credit Union
Contact us to learn more about becoming a corporate partner: development@thegarden.org 619-660-0614 x11
JOINT POWERS OF AUTHORITY
9 • TheGarden.org
Amy Abrams
Faran & Temo Ali
Liza Alia
Jeanette & Dale Arrigo
Kerri Askin
Raael Attishe
Zachary Atto
Lynn Ayers
Virginia Azhocar
Peter & Arnesha Bahn
Shannon & Jesse Bahn
Barbara Bartley
Lisa Baughman
Tiffany Bedizon & William Bangert Kelly & Eric Bernsen
Eric & Meredith Birkhead
Adria & Gary Bogart
Bill Bork
Jill Brown
Cris Calsada
Jo Marie & Jon Cantwell
Nicola Carter Gargani & Alejandro Upegui
Molly & John Cartmill
Heidi & Kristen Cascio
Cassandra & John Case
Pat & Michael Chagnon
Kate Coffey
Chad & Aileen Cooper
Kimberly & Dana Daniels
Markaja Davis
Rebecca De Castellanos
Bambi & Gregory Deis
Melissa Diek
Desiree & Jackson Dinsdale
Kimberly & Celeste Eskelson
Rosanna Feet
Allison Ferguson & Lisa Terrell
Corina & Serge Ferrari
Lisa Finch
Garry & Debby & Louis Flam
Vicky Frank & Sasha Cesarman
Brenda Gajon
Charles & Jeanette Gantz
Ann Genz
Mary & Jessica Godwin
Javier & Moriah Gonzalez-Meeks
Lisa Gordon
Rob Green & Michelle Donn
Nayeli Greene
Amy & Natalie Guerra
Jon & Eliza Hamilton
Jon Hannasch & Ed Ashton
Sara Harrell & Tina McLin
Patti Hartman
Brenda Heflin
Scott & Luisa Henderson
Jocelyn Herrera
Nancy Holland
Veronica Iniguez & Catherine Jimenez
Nancy & Bryan Ireland
Molly Jarrell
Kendrick Jennings
Shannon Keenan & Tim Kearny
Ryan & Alice Keyes
Christine & Blair Laframboise
Karan & Mark Lawless
Robin Leon
Joseph Lindsay & Mari Kubik
Gerald Linkon
Bryon Long
Timo Luostarinen
Peter & Kathy Ma
Noah & Leahnora Manning
Anna & Jeff March& Audra McCulloch
Jane McDaniel
Kelcy & Tyler McPherson
Karen & Mark Montijo
Loraine Moreno
Lori Myers & Olivia Pyle
Cassandra & Ian Neel
Dennis & Julie Norenberg
Lewis & Nancy Nygard Jayne & Patrick O’Brien
Susan & Perry Orsinelli
James Osborne
Eric & Maria Ostrowski
Tess Porter & Cole Daniel
Mary Lou Pryshepa
Samuel Rendon
Dawn & James Ritchie
Alex Ritola
Jenny Rivera & Aurora Mach Mary Rodriguez
Gonzalo & Clarisa Rojas
Lynda Roper
Michael Rumely & Kate Rasmuzzen
Greg & Lisa Schumsky & Elma & Vincent Zizzo Louise Simpson Gwen Small
James Stowers & Naomi Moon
Caitlin & Jeffrey Summerhays
Suzanne Thompson
Bert Thornton
Amber Toland Perry & Alexandra Perry Mary Torgison
Jeffrey Troutman & Rachel Hawkins
Paula Uren
Angelica Vargas
Lauralee & Lelia Von Husen
Niko Waldschmidt & Grace Gage Gail Walraven
Ron & Anita Watson
Phil Wertheimer
James & Karen Whitney
Linda & Eugene Yale
Sylvia Young
Isabel Ysassi & David Murrant
Daniela Leon & Jazmine Zavala
Zayde Zazueta
Mary Zbikowski
NEW MEMBERS September - November 2022
MEMBER Breakfast at The Garden! Wednesday, February 8, 8:30am – 10:30am The in-person New Member Breakfast is for members who have recently joined The Water Conservation Garden. Learn more at: TheGarden.org Winter 2023 • 10
NEW
12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West El Cajon, CA 92019
Tel: (619) 660-0614 Fax: (619) 660-1687 TheGarden.org
Garden Members - Join or renew your membership today! Visit TheGarden.org/membership.
Kimmy attended a Ms. Smarty-Plants™ Camp where she was able to explore The Garden in her wheelchair and learn about conservation and ways to care for the planet. Kimmy created a clay sculpture, she road through garden trails, and enjoyed the water rolling over her feet. Our camp provided a place for her to connect with nature easily despite her special needs.
Do you own an IRA and want to build a legacy for students like Kimmy? Make an IRA gift by contacting us at : development@thegarden.org or 619-660-0614
information is not intended as tax, legal or financial
Gift
IRA
Kniffing’s Nursery 14940 Oak Creek Road, El Cajon, CA 92021 10-15% Garden Member Discount must present a valid membership card THE FOLLOWING NURSERIES PARTICIPATE IN OUR MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT PROGRAM. \ Anderson’s La Costa \ Barrels & Branches Nursery \ \ Cuyamaca College Depart. of Ornamental Horticulture Nursery \ \ El Platio & Landscaping \ Hunter’s Nursery \ \ Kniffling’s Discount Nursery \ The Madd Potter \ \ Mission Hills Nursery \ Rancho Valhalla Nursery \ NURSERY SPOTLIGHT
This
advice.
results may vary. Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.
development@thegarden.org or
Learn more about The Garden’s great member benefits: www.TheGarden.org
