Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden when water resources are scarce and water rationing could be imposed? Water responsibly, plant carefully, and select fruit and vegetable varieties that are drought tolerant. All of these sustainable gardening practices require less water – and help ensure your family has access to a variety of nutrient rich foods.

Ten simple drought tips to reduce water use in your backyard garden

1. Planting time
2. Mulch, mulch, mulch!
3. Enclosed spaces
4. Companion planting
5. Watering times
6. Water efficiently
7. Control Weeds!
8. Drought Resistant Crops
9. Peak water times
10. Garden size

Get more detail about simple drought tips to reduce water use in your backyard garden.

The Annual Spring Festival at Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach will be Saturday April 26, 2014 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Education and Family Fun with interactive activities such as:

• Maypole Dance
• Nature Walk
• Face Painting
• Lady Bug Rocks
• Story Telling

Participants include UCCE Master Gardeners, Huntington Beach Water Dept, Rainbow Environmental Services, Inside the Outdoors, O.C. Dept of Education and Shipley's Compost Center.  

California Native Plants for sale. Maypole Dance begins at noon.

Free admission. Donations appreciated

17851 Goldenwest Street in Huntington Central Park

info@shipleynature.org. Phone: 714-842-4772

Orange County Great Park Farm + Food Lab 2014 Spring Garden Workshop Series

• Saturday, Mar 29
  10-11am
  The Scoop on Soil
• Saturday, Apr 5
  10-11am
  Colorful Sustainable Landscapes
• Saturday, Apr 12
  10-11am
  Creative Containers
• Saturday, May 3
  10-11am
  Eat Your Patio!

 

The Upper Newport Bay will be holding their First Annual Bugs, Blooms, & Butterflies event on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 10am to 2pm at 2301 University Drive  Newport Beach, CA  92627.
 
Among the activities will be:  education regarding the planting of native plants; understanding the connections between the insect population and native plants; introduction to butterflies and how they are beneficial to native plants; and native plant sales.
 
Master Gardeners will have a booth to hand out related materials; hold 5 minute planting demonstrations, and provide information on creating a children's garden along with seed packets to get them started.