From the numerous private gardens found throughout Ojai to outdoor Ojai destinations to over a million acres of national forest, The Ojai Garden is the greater Ojai Valley as a giant natural garden to explore, cultivate and learn from.
Soil Building with Michael Inaba
We had a wonderful Soil Building workshop in the City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden last weekend.
Mike Inaba started out by giving us a little geology lesson, using Les Dublin's workshop publicity photo to illustrate how soil is made.
Then he demonstrated a simple method to determine the kind of soil one has, with a little help from some volunteers.
Here's the recipe—just add water to soil in a jar, shake for a minute, let it settle for a few hours
and observe the layers of sand, silt and clay. 
As usual, Mike kept the audience entertained with amusing anecdotes sprinkled throughout his informative talk. Participants learned all about soil structure, texture, and organisms.
Mike used some nearby garden soil to help illustrate soil texture. 
Finally, Mike showed us some soil amendments that can be useful for local gardens, such as organic cottonseed meal and gypsum.
Everyone came away with a better understanding of the soil building cycle and why we need to protect our soil. Photos by Les Dublin.
Learn all about soil texture, structure, and how to identify what kind of soil you have, then use that information to build richer soil in your garden. This workshop will take place rain or shine on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 10:00 AM. Seating on the benches is limited so feel free to bring a chair for a comfortable seat. 
Charles showed us the tools of the trade and even demonstrated how to sharpen shears. 
Charles demonstrated pruning out in the garden 
and gave some guidance to participants who wanted to try their hand at pruning. Workshop participants set to work pruning a variety of plants in the hummingbird and sage gardens. 
Everyone went home ready to tackle their own pruning projects and the garden got some much needed TLC. Thanks Charles! 
Photos by Les Dubin. 
We'll begin with an introduction to essential pruning tools, and essential cuts. After a pruning demonstration in the garden, participants will get a chance to try out their new skills under expert supervision. The workshop will take place rain or shine on February 23 at 10:00 AM in the City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden, 401 South Ventura St., behind City Hall. 
Learn about cooling ice and sun teas, herbal first aid for cuts, scrapes, and sunburn, herbs for insect repellents, upset stomachs and motion sickness that you can use this summer, whether you are at home or on the road. Carol will also discuss the cultivation and best times to harvest these helpful herbs. The workshop will take place in the CIty of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden, 401 South Ventura Street, behind City Hall. Seating on the benches is limited, so feel free to bring a chair for a comfortable seat.
shared tips, and answered everyone's questions. 
Workshop participants got some hands-on practice sifting finished compost that was made during our winter workshop 
and then set to work building a new compost pile. 
Adding water is the finishing touch! 
Photos by Les Dublin.