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Local redwood becomes workshop inspiration

SacTree's Urban Wood Rescue offers DIY planter box class

Sacramento Digs Gardening
BY Debbie Arrington PUBLISHED AUG 4, 2021

Redwood planter box with flower decorations

This is an example of the planter boxes that the workshop participants will create. (Photo courtesy Urban Wood Rescue)

Looking for a unique addition to your garden? These redwood planter boxes do more than hold plants; they tell a story – and teach skills, too.

Through its Urban Wood Rescue program, the Sacramento Tree Foundation is offering DIY garden box workshops. Registration is now open for two dates: Saturday, Aug. 21, and Sunday, Aug. 29. Both sessions will be held in person from 9 a.m. to noon at Urban Wood Rescue’s headquarters, 6045 Midway St., Sacramento, near Fruitridge and Power Inn roads. Fee is $100 including materials.

The locally sourced wood for these planter boxes is special. An example of what Urban Wood Rescue can do, the lumber came from a local redwood tree.

“The wood to make these boxes was milled from a HUGE redwood tree in the Pocket neighborhood of Sacramento that had to be removed,” say the organizers. “These planters are perfect for growing herbs, flowers, and even vegetables. Gardeners, beginning woodworkers, and kids will love this hands-on workshop.”

Tools and supplies will be provided and the workshop is open to all ages. The wood is pre-cut but will be assembled and decorated during the session. Then take home the planter and enjoy.

Space is limited. To register for the workshop: https://www.sactree.com/

This program also receives support from CalFire. It’s better to re-purpose the wood than let it burn.

Urban Wood Rescue, which sells wood slabs and other wood products as well as offering workshops, gives new life to Sacramento’s dead trees.

“Urban Wood Rescue is a program of the Sacramento Tree Foundation on a mission to give our fallen trees a second life by keeping them out of the landfill,” says SacTree. “By milling and drying this lumber, we not only make use of a valuable resource but also ensure these trees continue to sequester the carbon they accumulated throughout their lives.

“This gorgeous, sustainable wood is a great way to bring our City of Trees heritage into your home,” adds the foundation. “Each purchase supports the Sacramento Tree Foundation's stewardship and sustainability efforts.”

Urban Wood Rescue is always on the lookout for more trees to salvage. Particularly sought-after are walnut, elm and redwood, but logs of several other varieties will be accepted.

For more information and details on Urban Wood Rescue: https://www.urbanwoodrescue.com/

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GENERAL GARDENING

An article about gardening.

Keywords:

urban lumber gardening Sacramento containers planter boxes workshop trees Urban Wood Rescue Sacramento Tree Foundation recycling

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Garden checklist for week of March 8

During this sunny week, get your garden set up for a beautiful spring:

* Fertilize roses, annual flowers and berries as spring growth begins to appear.

* Pull weeds now! Don’t let them get started. Take a hoe and whack them as soon as they sprout.

* Prepare vegetable beds. Spade in compost and other amendments.

* Prune and fertilize spring-flowering shrubs after bloom.

* Feed camellias at the end of their bloom cycle. Pick up browned and fallen flowers to help corral blossom blight.

* Feed citrus trees, which are now in bloom and setting fruit. To prevent sunburn and borer problems on young trees, paint the exposed portion of the trunk with diluted white latex (water-based) interior paint. Dilute the paint with an equal amount of cold water before application.

* Feed roses with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10, the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium available in that product).

* Prune and fertilize spring-flowering shrubs and trees after they bloom. Try using well-composted manure, spread 1-inch thick under the tree. This serves as both fertilizer and mulch, retaining moisture while cutting down on weeds.

* Cut back and fertilize perennial herbs to encourage new growth.

* In the vegetable garden, transplant lettuce and cole family plants, such as broccoli, collards and kale.

* Seed chard and beets directly into the ground. (Soak beet seeds first for better germination.)

* Plant summer bulbs, including gladiolus, tuberous begonias and callas. Also plant dahlia tubers.

* Shop for perennials. Many varieties are available in local nurseries and at plant events. They can be transplanted now while the weather remains relatively cool.

* Seed and renovate the lawn (if you still have one). Feed cool-season grasses such as bent, blue, rye and fescue with a slow-release fertilizer. Check the irrigation system and perform maintenance. Make sure sprinkler heads are turned toward the lawn, not the sidewalk.

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