10 Bay Area garden activities: Saturday, Aug. 1

July 27, 12:44 PMSan Jose Gardening ExaminerSonja Smith

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                                                                                        Photo: S Smith
Hard working bee getting cozy with a bright orange zinnia

Saturday, August 1 is a busy day for Bay Area gardeners.  There are plenty of activities from which to choose. 

1. Top 10 Beneficial Insects-Annie's Annuals in Richmond will host a talk by pest management consultant Annie Joseph  at 11:00 a.m. She will discuss the top 10 beneficial insects for your garden.  Free.

2.  California's Bitchin Bees - The "Bee Guy", entomologist Dr. Gordon Frankie will follow Annie Joseph and talk about the importance of bees in the garden. Annie's Annuals in Richmond.  Free.

3.  Bearded Iris Rhizome Sale - Clara B. Rees Iris Society  Yamagami's in Cupertino 10:00 a.m.  to 2:00 p.m.  Here's your opportunity to purchase many beautiful irises.

4.  Monterey  Bay Strawberry Festival (Aug 1 & 2) - Who doesn't love this ripe juicy fruit?  Celebrate the berry and help support local student scholarships and non-profit orgs.  Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville.  Activities include a horse show, classic car show , carnival and Berry Lane.  Both days 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

5.  Edible Landscaping Tour- From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Walk (bike route included)  on a self-guided tour around beautiful Palo Alto gardens-meet and talk with the gardeners and get inspired by their designs and see how they incorporate edible plants into their landscapes. Benefits Common Ground Garden Supply & Conexions Green Fork Project.  Cost:  $35.  Register by calling 650-493-6072. 

6.  Cool Season Vegetable Gardening - Learn from Master Gardeners how to grow vegetables during fall and winter; how to prepare the soil and which vegetables to plant. Class is 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.  Afterward, stay for a tour of the garden from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Palo Alto Demonstration Garden, 851 Center St, Palo Alto.  Free

7.  Summer Fruit Tree Pruning - Workshop led by Sean McGrail will teach through demos how  summer pruning can encourage more fruit and easier harvest.  Will be held in Guadalupe River Park & River Gardens  orchard of 250 fruit trees so bring pruning equipment and dress ready to walk the orchard. 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. $10/members, $15/non-members

8.  Andy's Tour -peaches, plums and nectarines (oh my!)  Tour taste and harvest walk of Andy's Orchard in Morgan Hill.  Tour begins at 10:00 a.m.   No reservations are required for groups of five or less.  $15 per person; seniors $12 and children 10 and under are free.  Tour is subject  to weather and fruit availability. 

9. Container Gardening- Another Master Gardening class at the Almaden Library; learn all about how to plant containers with flowers, herbs, veggies and fruit trees.  Bring an 8 inch pot to start an herb garden.  Almaden Branch Library, 6445 Camden Ave, San Jose

10.  Beginning Bird Photography - If you're interested in birds, photography or both, join the group at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso from 2:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m. where you'll learn photography tips, and then go on a walk around the refuge.  Bring camera and binoculars and wear comfy shoes.  Reservations are required.  Ages 14 and up. Call Debra at 408-262-5513 ex t 102.