Jim and Eileen’s garden adventure began over 20 years ago with the creation of what they call the “Citrus Grove”: seven semi-dwarf citrus trees along one fence.  The front yard was then re-imagined with raised gardens, fountains, statuary, a dry creek bed, an herb garden, and more than 20 unique fruit trees. They then considered the backyard, with its pool taking up most of the usable space, and created a patio oasis with pergolas full of delicious fruiting vines which are helping to protect sensitive tropical fruit trees. They also planted special trees and shrubs ideal for cooking, surrounding a lovely patio with a fire table and small fountain. All this on a standard 7500 square foot property.  They love showing off their garden and hope their approach will inspire others with normal or smaller yards to follow the example and take the plunge, go for the gusto, throw caution to the winds, and GARDEN!

It’s the most wonderful time of the gardening year when our chapter opens their gardens and shares all the plants they have been propagating. Our pre-sale event will begin at 9:30 am with Charles Portney’s dynamic description of the attributes and uses of our rare and remarkable plants. At 10 am, the Ginormous Sale begins – you’ll have access to the “Portney Special Collection” and other plants, many of which you cannot buy anywhere else but here. We will have special guest David Bassani (“Ask Mr B”) who will answer tough gardening questions. Also the experts from LA Compost will be giving away free garden compost (up to 5 gallons/bring your own container), the wonderful people of Backyard Harvesters will explain how a donation of home grown fruit can help others AND be a tax deduction! Our good friend, Charles Malki, the developer of IV Organics, will offer his super products at 50% off retail pricing.

Have you ever wanted to cook a cactus? Snack on a succulent? Here’s your chance! Our special guests are members of the Los Angeles Cactus and Succulent Society (LACSS), and they will tell us all about what cacti you can eat, and which ones you should not. In addition, there will be a demonstration of cooked nopales (Opuntia) for everyone to enjoy. Bring your questions, curiosity and appetite! Also, please bring something to share at our potluck snack table. Cacti can be delicious but it’s nice to have other things to eat, too.

Below is the actual presentation from our May event, with many thanks to Emily Diebold.

The Hollywood Orchard is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to harvesting, using, and donating local fruit to charities and food banks. They “glean” from within their own Virtual Orchard: a network of neighbors who open their own gardens to share with others. Located in the Hollywood Hills, they hold “Pick & Kitchen” events, go on road trips together, work with their local elementary school, and learn about everything at their Farmer’s Circle events. We have been invited to join a Farmer’s Circle to introduce our groups to each other, followed by a tour of their community gardens. Bring good walking shoes, and something to share at a coffee & tea potluck before the event. Please carpool if possible!

This event pays tribute to Tony Stewart, past LA CRFG Chapter Chairman, awarding the Tony Stewart Memorial Scholarship to an outstanding student. We will also be touring an amazing garden, with areas for fruit trees, hot houses, chickens, desert plants, and much more! We will learn about fruit tree growing, enjoy tours, and feast on the potluck meal we all create before the tour.

Food: Please bring a dish to share which will feed at least 6 people.