Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast at Julie's

This year the long-awaited rains arrived the morning of the annual MBBG Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast so we gratefully accepted the venue change from the garden to Julie's cozy house down by the pier.

It was so nice to see everyone together and all agreed this year's presents were super. Thanks to Julie the volunteers now have white t-shirts with a ladybug tag on the front and the MBBG yellow flower logo on the back along with a nifty hose nozzle and seed packets.

I have to mention here that the buffet was exceptional with a mouth-watering frittata ala Charlotte, Julie's cheesy quiche and the papaya balls and yogurt with granola being my favorite.

Besides partying the real purpose of the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast was to let all our MBBG volunteers know just how much they are loved and that without them we would not have a garden. So thanks again to all the garden volunteers - you are incredible. Note: If you did not make the breakfast please make sure to stop by the garden on any Friday and pick up your presents and get properly thanked!

Cedar Waxwings for the Holidays

This December, the migratory Cedar Waxwings (bombycilla cedrorum) arrived at the garden just as the Toyon aka Christmas Berry shrub was bursting with red berries. The berries are one of their favorite treats - they aren't dummies.

Local birder extraordinaire and owner of Wildbirds Unlimited, Bob Shanman, says they also eat the unripe berries and get a bit tipsy. We aren't certain if they were intoxicated but did get a shot of them imbibing at the garden's local watering hole. Click on the photo to view larger version. Photo by Julie Gonella.

Want to hang with BIRDS of a feather in the South Bay?

Then don't miss out on Sunday Morning Birds Walks at Polliwog Park with Bob Shanman, details:

Sunday Morning Bird Walks at Polliwog Park

-- > All but the 3rd Sunday morning if each month @ 8am

Meet Bob on the corner of Manhattan Beach Blvd and Redondo Ave. @ 8:00 ---anyone is welcome. Binoculars and walking shoes are recommended.

Say Goodbye to the Chain Link Fence

This past month we tore out the old chainlink fence along the northside of the garden and replaced it with a beautiful split rail design. (See featured photo to the right top of blog). If you haven't been by lately come on over and see what a difference it makes!

Many thanks to Jim Catella for the design and installation, Ann Barklow and Julie Gonella for making it happen, Mike Garcia and his guys from Enviroscape for making the site ready and detailing the area so beautifully and to the guys in MB Parks and Rec for removing the old fence and hauling it away. Well done!

Photo by Julie Gonella

California Native Plant Lovers

You have fallen in love with California native plants - go ahead and admit it. You became a member of MBBG and cannot go back to your previous unfulfilled life of water-sucking pest-ridden tropicals. You volunteer on Fridays at the garden - but it's not enough. You need more.

A few ideas:

- Check out the events on the local South Coast Calif. Native Plant Societies Calendar Page

- Sign up for a Tree of Life Nursery Workshop (plant nursery is open!)

- Visit the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (plant nursery is open Weds-Sun)

- Visit the Theodore Payne Foundation (plant nursery is open Tues-Sat)

- Visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (plant nursery open daily)

Tree Trimming Class at the Garden

Tree Trimming Guidelines Class

Nov. 14, 10-11 am

Greg Monfette, Certified Arborist

Join certified Arborist, Greg Monfette, and take a walk through the trees in Polliwog Park and the Botanical Garden to learn about tree care. You will learn how to recognize a hazardous tree limb or tree; best pruning practices; and what you need to know about the City’s tree ordinance.

For complete information, please go to the MBBG Homepage

Murdering Your Lawn Class was Killer

Ann Barklow and Mimi Andersen of Garden Magic report that the MBBG class they taught on how to kill your lawn was a great success. After a review on the basics of murdering your lawn, the 30+ person class followed Ann and Mimi on a five minute hike over to see the Simmons native garden they designed last Fall. Questions were non-stop. Handouts of the plant names were provided which helped alot. Meredith Grenier from the Daily Breeze was there and will have an article about the class and the Simmon's garden in two weeks on Saturday the 10th so look for it. Photo by Mimi Andersen

Fall Classes at the Garden

Fun Free and Educational - Fall Class are Here!!

Getting Rid of Your Water-Guzzling Lawn

Sept. 26, 10-11 am

Mimi Andersen & Ann Barklow, Garden Magic Company

Water Saving Irrigation Technology

Oct. 3, 10-11 am

Mike Garcia, instructor, Enviroscape

How to Compost in the Garden

Oct. 10, 10-11 am

Lisa Ryder, City Authorized Instructor

Gardening with Natives

Oct. 17, 10-11 am

Tony Baker, instructor, Natural Landscapes

Attracting and Feeding Wild Birds

Oct. 24, 10-11 am

Bob Shanman, Wild Birds Unlimited

Reiki in the Garden

Oct. 31, 10-11 am

Sheri Hein, Certified Instructor

Tree Trimming Guidelines

Nov. 14, 10-11 am

Greg Monfette, Certified Arborist

Success with Succulents

Nov. 21, 10-11 am

Patrick Moore, Local Succulent Expert

Check out the MBBG Homepage for complete details and class descriptions.