August Special Events

All Shows and Events are Free

August 19, Sunday, 8:30-9:30 am: Dedication of 10 Japanese lanterns at the Torii Gate at Lake Merritt. The dedication is part of the Oakland and Fukuoka, Japan 50th Anniversary Sister City relationship. A reception will follow at Children’s Fairyland, Bellevue Avenue, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.

August 25, Saturday – noon- 1pm: Alameda County Master Gardeners Present Planning and Planting a Great Winter Vegetable Garden. Learn about the wide array of vegetables that can thrive in the cooler months and the special needs vegetables have in the fall and winter, along with  how to plan your garden and plant for success.

This talk will be given by Master Gardener Sam Foushee, an expert at growing beautiful vegetables during all seasons in 3 Bay Area community gardens. This talk is free and open to the public.  Please join us, and bring your own gardening questions!

Download the full Workshop Series schedule here: 2012 Lake Merritt Trials Garden MG Workshop Series. For more information, visit  http://acmg.ucdavis.edu/Demonstration_Gardens/Lakeside_Trials_Garden/

August 26, Sunday -1pm-3pm: Introduction to Bonsai: Interactive Demo and Questions in the Bonsai Garden. This free workshop (held every fourth Sunday of the month) covers the art of Bonsai including techniques, styling, care and grooming.  You are welcome to bring your own tree for some TLC.

Community Work Party Events 

” A special thanks to the volunteers for making these Gardens the pride of Oakland,” Dick Austin, President, Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt

Every Thursday Morning – 9:00am to noon:  Meet at the Succulent  Garden.

Every Tuesday Evening – 5:30pm-7:00pm: Meet in the Sensory Garden.

August 4, Saturday- 9am-1:30pm: Mediterranean and Succulent Gardens

August 18, Saturday- 9am-12pm:   Sensory, Palmetum, and Rhododendron Gardens

August 18, Saturday – 10am-noon: Edible Community Garden.  Accepting  New Volunteers. Meet at the People’s Victory Garden.

August 22, Wednesday -3:30 pm: Edible Community Garden.  Accepting New Volunteers. Meet at People’s Victory Garden.

Bring a friend and a garden tool. When volunteering, tell the kiosk  attendant you are a volunteer with the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt for free parking.

August Gardening Tips

Prepared by the Alameda County Master Gardeners

• Fertilize, water, deadhead.
• Begin planting cool crops for fall and winter harvest. Cole crops (broccoli, mustard, cabbage, etc.), beets, carrots, lettuce (provide shade), green onions, potatoes, peas, etc. Wait until September in hotter climates.
• Start seeds of cool season annuals (calendula, stock, etc.).
• Request your brochure for our Seminar: Seminar – Fall and Winter Gardening in the Bay Area
• Check to be sure that your irrigation system is working and meets the needs of your garden with the calculator for estimating water needs.

For more information on gardening tips and information from the Alameda County Master Gardeners, go to http://acmg.ucdavis.edu/