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WATSONVILLE
Strawberry Festival returns Aug. 1-2
The Watsonville Strawberry Festival returns to downtown Watsonville on Saturday and Sunday with two days of family-friendly entertainment celebrating the region’s signature crop
Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Saturday’s festivities include the Strawberry Jam Fun Run/Walk, carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, and plenty of strawberry-themed treats. Sunday’s lineup features the carnival, entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and strawberries
Admission is free. For information, visit watsonville.gov/1117/Watsonville-Strawberry-Festival
WATSONVILLE
Birdsong Orchards offers weekend farm stand, you-pick harvests
Birdsong Orchards will host apple and pear you-pick harvests Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 613 Lakeview Road, Watsonville. Farmer-led Harvest Parties will be held at noon and 2 p.m. Fruit is $3 per pound, with a $5 entry fee for guests harvesting fewer than 10 pounds. Children are admitted free
The Birdsong Orchards farm stand is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering fresh fruit, flowers, handmade goods and other farm products. Visitors do not need a you-pick reservation to shop at the farm stand. Rose you-cut guests should note the last check-in is 3 p.m
Cabrillo Cottage Farms, 4461 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos, will be closed Sunday while staff assist with the harvest at Birdsong Orchards
A Herbal Teas Workshop is scheduled for Aug. 16. For workshop tickets, membership information and additional details, visit birdsongorchards.com
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Monterey Bay Iris Society annual rhizome sale
The Monterey Bay Iris Society will hold its annual iris rhizome sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Deer Park Shopping Center, 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, next to Red Apple Cafe. Shoppers can choose from a large selection of healthy, member-grown tall bearded iris rhizomes for $5 each or 10 for $40
Experienced iris growers will be available to answer questions and provide planting and care information. Additional sales will be held Aug. 8 at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College and Aug. 15 at the Westside Farmers Market, 2716 Mission St. in Santa Cruz (opposite the old Wrigley’s building). Early arrival is recommended for the best selection
For information, visit montereybayiris.org
SANTA CRUZ
Beekeepers Guild meeting to focus on varroa mite management
The Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 5, at the El Rio Mobile Home Park Community Room, 2120 N. Pacific Ave
This month’s presentation will focus on managing parasitic varroa mite infestations, including methods for monitoring and testing honey bee colonies and an overview of available treatment options. Varroa mites are one of the most significant threats to honey bee health, making timely detection and management essential for maintaining strong colonies. The meeting is open to members and guests interested in beekeeping
Attendees are asked not to park inside the mobile home park or along the fence at Lenz Arts. Metered street parking is available if the Lenz Arts lot is full
For information, visit santacruzbees.com
LIVE OAK
Evening Garden Exchange popping up mid month
The Santa Cruz Garden Exchange will host a free Evening Garden Exchange Pop-Up from 5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 14, at the Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave
Gardeners are invited to bring plants, cuttings, seeds, bulbs, succulents, houseplants, vegetables, fresh flowers or other garden-related items to swap while connecting with fellow plant enthusiasts in a relaxed evening setting. Participants do not need to bring items to attend, but are asked to take home anything not exchanged
The pop-up will feature Get Loafed, a local organic baker offering fresh baked goods available for purchase while supplies last
Those interested in hosting a future workshop or becoming a featured vendor can call 831-515-7162 or email santacruzgardenexchange@gmail.com
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai welcomes visitors to monthly meetings
The Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai invites bonsai enthusiasts of all experience levels to attend its monthly meetings, held from 10 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of each month at the Live Oak Grange Hall, 1900 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Visitors are welcome to enjoy live bonsai demonstrations by guest artists, refreshments, raffles, tree sales and auctions. Meetings also provide opportunities to learn bonsai techniques, meet fellow enthusiasts and buy, sell or trade bonsai material
Club members may also participate in hands-on workshops from 7-9 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Aptos Grange Hall, 2555 Mar Vista Drive, Aptos, where participants bring their own trees and tools for guided instruction
For information, visit santacruzbonsaikai.com
The Garden Digest is compiled by Jesselyn Rego. To submit items for the calendar including events, meetings, reail.com
