Free Event: Experience a Wildlife Garden in Winter

Malus "Robinson" leaves swirl in a madcap dance from their tree limbs to the ground as I write this on a windy Wednesday. With plants dropping leaves and producing few flowers, our gardens appear to be dormant this time of year. 

But look closely: more is happening than you might expect.  And when you look, you may have a guide or two if you like.

On Sunday, December 11th, you’ll have the opportunity to see an established wildlife-friendly garden in winter. Professional gardener and El Cerrito resident Lyn Talkovsky is opening her front and back gardens to the community that day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Terrel Brand of the Oaktown Native Plant Nursery will be on hand to discuss habitat gardening. Be sure to arrive at Lyn's home, 5505 Macdonald Avenue, in time to hear him speak at 2 p.m. This event, sponsored by the City of El Cerrito Environmental Quality Committee, will be held rain or shine.

Lyn’s preview photos shown here were taken in summer and spring, so what you see December 11th will be different.

In her cozy front yard, Lyn nurtures four separate California native plant communities: riparian, grassland, coastal scrub and woodland. This amazingly varied habitat has mostly gone to seed, with stems and stalks remaining to support insects and the birds who feast on them.

You likely will be as charmed as I was by Lyn’s backyard, an informal wildlife garden with some natives and many non-native plants.  A pond provides the focal point. Although the back garden has few or no flowers, the space is designed in such as way that it appeals even in winter.

So take a break from holiday planning to join Lyn Talkovsky and Terrel Brand and learn their tips on gardening for wildife. Please come. You'll be most welcome.