GARDENING SAN DIEGO STYLE: PLANTSTRAVAGANZA NOV. 2

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Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion and diverse plant sale at Water Conservation Garden

October 11, 2013 (Rancho San Diego) -- Considering fall and winter as prime gardening months would be scoffed at in many parts of the United States, but not in San Diego, with its Mediterranean climate characterized by mild-to-cool wet winters, and warm-to-hot dry summers.  The Fall Planstravaganza!, held at the Water Conservation Garden from 9am-4pm on Saturday, November 2, 2013, helps San Diegans make the most of the region’s fall-to-spring planting season and save water while they do it.

The event boasts the most diverse drought-tolerant plant sale in San Diego County.  Retailers and growers will sell shrubs, trees, perennials, succulents and more, making the event one-stop shopping for fall and winter gardening essentials.   Plants that get into the ground during our mild fall planting season will reward gardeners with strong root systems that allow the plants to put on their best show in the spring. 

This year, visitors can preview a newly constructed exhibit--the Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion--which is scheduled to come alive with butterflies in early spring 2014.  Team Butterfly will be on hand to answer the public's questions about how to create a butterfly garden, how to become a Team Butterfly volunteer, and how to become a Friend of the Butterflies.  The Garden hopes to inspire event-goers to create a butterfly garden of their own and will offer a workshop during the event on the subject. 

Other gardening know-how at the event includes the Ask the Experts booths open throughout the day.  Experts on making compost, growing cool season veggies, drought-tolerant gardening and arbor care will be on hand to answer questions for the public.   Water agencies will provide information on generous rebate programs that assist homeowners in converting their landscapes to be more water-wise.   As an added bonus, visitors can schedule a private, 20-minute landscape design consultation with a design professional at the event for just $15. Visitors can bring photos of their current landscape and get feedback on how to  create a landscape of their dreams.  Reservations for this service are highly recommended by calling 619-660-0614, x10.

The  Rancho San Diego Farmer's Market located near The Garden, will feature organic produce and specialty food booths that will delight the most discerning foodies.  Plus, visitors can pick up holiday gifts in The Garden's gift shop that will feature unique garden-inspired treasures, and the Garden membership booth will offer specials exclusive to the event. 

Admission to the Fall Planstravaganza! is $2, with Garden members and children 12 years and younger getting in free.  Workshops and all activities throughout the day are included with admission (unless specified) and parking is free.  A complete program is available at http://www.thegarden.org/plants

Inquiries on exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities should be directed to Diane Owens at diane@thegarden.org.

About the Water Conservation Garden

Opened in 1999, the Garden is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting water conservation in the landscape, and the sustainable use of related natural resources, through excellent exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the public. The Garden is supported in part by member water agencies, garden partnerships and private donations. For more information, please visit www.thegarden.org or call 619-660-0614 x10.


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