Garden Activities: April 8, 2025

Yes today it was a single activity. Many of the Tuesday Crew had volunteered to be docents for a group of school children. Today docents and docents-in-training included: board member Steve Davis, Irem Bayrak Dingle, Beverly Kemmerling, Dale Harshberger, Daryl Stutley, Nancy Taylor Walker and Ann Wright. I used the time to review the tree work to be conducted soon.

Below are a couple of shots from today’s tour. Standing behind the kids are Steve, Ann, Irem and Beverly.  And no, the little boy on the right isn’t chained up!

Standing behind the kids are Nancy and Daryl:

(Apologies to Dale for not capturing her in one of these group photos).

If it were not a desirable native plant in southern CA, the matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) would be considered an invasive pest in the botanic garden. However, because it is a desirable native, we prize the large stands of the poppy at the top of the hill and all along the fence line between the old garden entrance and the service area! It is so dramatic when in full bloom that for years we have built a festival around that event. This year it is scheduled for Sunday May 18th from 11am to 4pm. It will include informative talks, garden tours, and crafts for the kids. For more intimation go to the website: conejovalleybotanicgarden.com.

Below is the first (we think) bloom to open up. This is just on the left as you walk from the service area to the first 4-corners:

Many thanks to Nancy for her images.

Enjoy the garden…KMM