The Santa Monica Community Garden Program will host four free educational events in September, offering residents opportunities to learn about sustainable gardening practices and volunteer in local community spaces.
The monthly Orchard Care Crew will meet Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9-11 a.m. at Ishihara Park Learning Garden, 2909 Exposition Blvd. Participants can learn citrus tree care techniques while helping tend 18 citrus trees in the park's orchard. Activities include mulching, pest management, feeding and pruning under supervision of the Orchard Management Team. The orchard is located at the park's eastern end, past the small playground.
Those interested in regular volunteering can register at https://santamonica.volunteermatters.org/volunteer/account?redirectUrl=%2Fvolunteer%2Fregister.
A Rain Barrel Distribution event will take place Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Reed Park Community Garden at the Miles Playhouse, 1133 7th Street. Attendees can learn about rainwater harvesting, rain barrel setup and maintenance. Santa Monica residents may qualify for rebates up to $200 per rain barrel.
Rain barrels can be pre-ordered at https://www.rainbarrelsintl.com/events/santa-monica. Rebate applications are available at https://www.smgov.net/Departments/OSE/Rebates/Rain_Harvest_Rebate.aspx. Information about programs outside Santa Monica can be found at http://www.socalwatersmart.com.
The event will feature the new demonstration garden showcasing low-water pollinator-friendly plantings and edible crops. City staff will discuss landscape rebate programs, and professional landscape architects will answer questions. More information is available at https://www.santamonica.gov/events/48vkh5szxxqky2prxfbcrfnf4k/202509130900.
"Dosas, Waffles and a Workday" will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9-11 a.m. at Ishihara Park Learning Garden. The Salecha Family will prepare Indian dosas alongside garden-inspired waffles. Activities include insect observation, harvesting and community orchard expansion work.
Ishihara Park Learning Garden produces approximately 5,000 pounds of fresh produce annually and processes 10,000 pounds of kitchen scraps into compost. More information: https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4xrv4d6753tkbt65ggn68fkmmz/202509200900.
The final event, a DIY Raised Garden Bed Demonstration, will occur Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9-11 a.m. at Marine Park Community Garden, 1406 Marine Street. Ongoing demonstrations will show how to build raised beds for various spaces. The garden is located between the tennis courts and homes on the park's western side.
More information: https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4zwvgdfrvw6y7xfba6anrrh5dk/202509270900.
Edited by SMDP Staff