EL CAJON — “With cities like San Diego and Santee changing their rules about raising chickens and urban farming, I can’t think of a more appropriate or timely theme for this year’s festival,” said Elizabeth Ramos, director of development and communications at the Water Conservation Garden.
“Urban farming offers people an opportunity to get back in touch with the basics of food production and to have a measure of control over the quality of food they eat.”
EL CAJON — “With cities like San Diego and Santee changing their rules about raising chickens and urban farming, I can’t think of a more appropriate or timely theme for this year’s festival,” said Elizabeth Ramos, director of development and communications at the Water Conservation Garden.
“Urban farming offers people an opportunity to get back in touch with the basics of food production and to have a measure of control over the quality of food they eat.”
Besides urban farming, there will be presentations on how to install a washing machine grey water system, sustainable straw bale buildings and permeable pavement and watershed protection. Ms. Smarty Plants will lead an owl education program about the garden’s barn owls Hoot and Holla, who have taken up residence in the garden for the second in year in a row to hatch and raise their owlets.
Through the garden’s owlcam, guests can even take a peek at the owls in action. Also, The Garden will offer its popular “Ask the Experts”
program that features an arborist, master composters, vegetable gardeners and water experts.
And, for just $20 visitors can get a private 20-minute landscape design consultation with aprofessional designer. Reservations can be made by calling (619) 660-0614 x 10.
“The Spring Garden Festival has something for everyone — great food, entertainment, a huge plant sale, museum tours and activities for the kids,” added Ramos. “Come join us for a fun, educational, family-friendly day.”
Join the Water Conservation Garden, the Heritage of the Americas Museum and the Ornamental Horticulture Department at Cuyamaca College on Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 4pm as they present the 19th annual Spring Garden Festival.
This year’s theme is “Urban Farming” and will include experts on raising urban chickens, beekeeping and vegetable gardening.
Garden professionals will be on hand to answer the most puzzling gardening and landscape design questions, the college will offer horticulture demonstrations along with its biggest plant sale of the year and the museum will offer free tours throughout the day.
Plus, live music and dance, an international food court and animal encounters for the kids make this a fun, family-friendly event. Visit www.cuyamaca.edu/springfest for more information. For a complete list of presentations at the garden, go to www.thegarden.org.
The garden was first opened in 1999, It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting water conservation and 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.
