Spring time is my favorite. The weather is amazing, trees turn pink and white, grass is green, puppies frolic… it’s magical.
Now is the time to be outside, hanging out with plants. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb – you can learn by visiting one of the many amazing gardening locations we have in the Fresno and Clovis area.
And if you don’t want to learn but still want to be around pretty plants and flowers? There are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy the season, too.
Here’s a list of 6 ways to spend some time in local gardens.
1. Evergreen Garden Center (and Other Great Green Spots)
Evergreen Garden Center in Clovis has a wide variety of plants and flowers, including TONS of roses and succulents. Take your kids with you to this one because there are doggies to see, four nursery cats that wander the grounds, and a jar of free lollipops by the cash register. (Check out a previous FresYes post on Evergreen.)
Evergreen Garden Center is a great place to get started with gardening since the staff is friendly and happy to answer questions. Plus, it’s gorgeous, with a park-like atmosphere (if parks had a lot of metal goats and other garden sculptures).
Also, if you’re closer to the 99, Riverside Nursery and Landscape is a good bet if you want a wide variety of plants and pots. And Sierra View Nursery is closer to the Sanger crowd and is family owned.
You really just can’t go wrong with a local garden center.
2. Gazebo Gardens Yoga and Hops
Adding beer and yoga to gardening is sure to make yard work more exciting. Therefore, Gazebo Gardens has partnered with COIL Yoga to bring this unique partnership of beer and yoga to Fresno’s garden lovers.
Yoga ‘n Hops will take place April 30 from 2-4 p.m. It includes a 75-minute, all-skill-levels yoga class, live music and a beer; also, a food truck will be on hand post-session.
Tickets are available at Gazebo Gardens for $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Check out the Gardens’ Facebook page for updates.
3. Gazebo Gardens Beer Garden and Food Trucks
Okay, I know I just told you to go to Gazebo Gardens but seriously, go to Gazebo Gardens! On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the nursery plays host to a beer garden, food trucks galore, and live music from 5-9 p.m. You can even bring your puppy and relax, surrounded by spring flowers.
If that isn’t tempting enough, local favorites like Ampersand Ice Cream and El Premio Mayor are often on site. That’s right, you can enjoy the spring weather with your puppy, a beer, a taco, and some ice cream while you sit amongst the flowers and listen to great music. Whew! What more could you want?! For the March schedule of music and trucks, check out the Gazebo Gardens website here.
4. Fresno State Veggie Plant Sale
I know I’ve been waxing poetic about flowers but let’s not forget tomatoes. See, it’s really hard for me to survive the whole winter with greenhouse tomatoes. During those dark months, it’s a comfort to know I live in America’s agriculture mecca, and fresh tomatoes are just around the corner.
Now is the time to plant your summer vegetable garden. So, if you’re wanting a way to get started, consider the Fresno State Horticulture Nursery’s annual Veggie Plant Sale, which is happening Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tomato, pepper, eggplant, squash, and other plants will be available at the Fresno State Gibson Farm Market. You can take your pick from organic, heirloom, hybrids, and beyond. This sale is the place to be if you want to make salads from your backyard garden this year.
5. The Garden of the Sun
If you want to garden but can’t keep a plant alive, or if you’re simply looking for inspiration, the Garden of the Sun is a great resource. It’s a one-acre Master Gardener demonstration garden that’s right next door to the Discovery Center on Winery Ave. It’s open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Master Gardener volunteers are on site to answer questions about all things garden. Tours are also available; to schedule one, call (559) 241-7535.
6. Clovis Botanical Garden’s Spring Into Your Garden
Finally, head over to Clovis Botanical Garden where it’s all about water-wise gardening. Located at 945 N. Clovis Avenue, it’s a three-acre public garden of delightful drought-tolerant landscaping. I know, we’ve had a lot of rain this year, but it’s still going to be a hot summer, so you want plants that can take the heat. You can visit the garden from 9 a.m to 4 p.m Wednesdays through Sundays.
And you might want to consider attending the Garden’s Spring Into Your Garden event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 25. There will be walking tours, kids’ activities, and a plant sale. Speakers will present on topics ranging from allergy-fighting gardens to native California plants. Tickets priced at $5 for non-members.
Happy planting!
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