Imagine the Gardens at night filled with lanterns, carved and lit gourds, ponds glowing from submerged bubbles, and electric fireflies flickering in the trees; all created by local artists. Join us in The Gardens at Lake Merritt for Oakland’s Autumn Lights Festival on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 6-10PM.

For the first time ever, see the Gardens beautifully and artistically illuminated at night. Each garden, including the Palmetum Garden, the Mediterranean Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Edible Garden, will feature light installations specifically designed to thrill attendees. Live fire art performers will also light the night. Attendees are invited to participate during the evening by creating luminarias and neon bubbles. Music and sound installations will fill the night. Refreshments, a silent auction, and food trucks will add to the festivities.

A fundraiser for the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt, a 501 C-3, event proceeds will be used for Garden improvements for the enjoyment of the entire community.

Tickets include one drink (wine or beer) and are $25 purchased in advance, or $35 at the gate. Purchase your tickets at Autumn Lights Festival in the Gardens at Lake Merritt in Oakland. Note: Children ages 2 and under do not require a ticket.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt and the City of Oakland.

Produced by AnotherBullwinkelShow ,  510-548-5335.

 

April Special Events

American Rhododendron Society Show and Plant Sale- April 14-15: Saturday 12:00pm-4:00pm and Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm, (plant sale both days from 10:00-4:00) at  the Lakeside Park Garden Center. Many fragrant rhododendrons for sale including tropical vireyas.  Don’t miss the colorful display of species and hybrids. Educational exhibit and raffle prizes. Free to the public.

Earth Day- Saturday April 21, 9:00-1:00: The Gardens at Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park

Creating A Bountiful Summer Vegetable Garden; Maximize Your Space to Fill Your Plate: Presented by the Alameda County Master Gardeners in the Trials Garden in the Edible Demonstration Garden- Saturday, April 28, Noon- 1:00pm

Community Work Party Events 

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

April 7, Saturday- 9am-12pm: Mediterranean Garden and Overall Garden TLC. 

April 21, Saturday- 9am-12pm: Sensory, Palmetum, and Rhododendron Gardens

Bring a friend and a garden tool. When volunteering, receive a parking pass at the kiosk by telling the attendant you are a volunteer with the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt.

In the event of rain, meet behind the lathe house (the Vireya Display Garden) where we will plant cuttings under cover.

April Gardening Tips

Prepared by the Alameda County Master Gardeners

• Continue to plant root crops in the garden (beets, turnips, carrots, radishes, potatoes, etc.).
• Set out plants or directly seed  summer annuals (cosmos, marigold, sunflower, petunia, etc.).
• Some cool season crops can still be planted in early April (chard, leek, green onion, lettuce, other salad greens).
• Summer crops can possibly be planted in late April if it’s warm enough. Start cucumbers, squash, pumpkins and melons indoors in peat or newspaper pots.
• Plant summer bulbs (callas, cannas, dahlias, gladiolas, etc.).
• Fertilize and water as needed.
• Manage any pests who have appeared with help from UC Pest Notes at http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/menu.homegarden.html