The Ojai Garden

A family of Western Bluebirds calls the City of Ojai Community Demonstration garden home. Bluebirds eat many insects and also appreciate berries. Photos by Les Dublin.

Posted by Ojai Community Demonstration Garden at 03:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

California native plants brighten the City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden in the spring.The elegant Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) is a stand out with its large, striking flowers.Nearby is a sage (Salvia Allen Chickering) that, like the poppy, will grow tall and spread out. A variety of lovely native irises dot the landscape.All of these plants are practical as well as beautiful since they are drought tolerant. Photos by Les Dublin.

Posted by Ojai Community Demonstration Garden at 05:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (21) | author bio

Carol Wade charmed a group of Ojai residents Saturday in the City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden, as she spoke about a little known way to appreciate flowers. At her workshop on edible flowers, Carol taught the do's and don'ts of flower eating before delving into a more detailed discussion of the subject.The 29 people who attended the workshop learned how to properly taste a flower in order to best savour its flavor, much like a wine taster would sample a glass of wine. Participants sampled nasturtiums and arugula flowers that Carol had prepared ahead of time.Later, Carol led the group into the garden to get some hands-on experience picking a flower and preparing it to eat.Participants picked and tasted borage flowers in the edible landscaping garden, before returning to the shade for cookies and conversation.Photos by Les Dublin.

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Learn about flowers that are edible as well as beautiful at this free workshop with local herbalist and nutritional counselor Carol Wade. The cultivation, harvesting and preparation of these tasty and colorful flowers will be discussed.
Carol's workshops are always a treat, so be sure to join us at this special event! The workshop will take place on May 16, from 10:00a.m. to 11:30a.m., in the City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden, 401 South Ventura St., behind City Hall.

Posted by Ojai Community Demonstration Garden at 07:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

The City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden was once again a stop on the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce Garden Tour.The garden coordinator and volunteers were on hand to welcome guests and provide information about the garden, as well as gardening, composting and irrigation advice.With a profusion of plants flowering at once, the garden was awash with color and fragrance.Many visitors left inspired to plant a native or drought tolerant perennial at home…or simply, inspired. Photos by Les Dublin.

Posted by Ojai Community Demonstration Garden at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio