Learn how to propagate native plants

Want to help California wildlife? Grow more native plants.

Want more native plants? Learn propagation.

For budding native plant enthusiasts as well as experienced gardeners, here’s a great hands-on workshop, led by two top experts at an interesting venue surrounded by wildlife.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, July 11, Center for Land-Based Learning in Woodland will host “Let’s Get Rooted!,” a three-hour native plant propagation workshop. Instructors are CNPS Ambassador Patricia Carpenter and Rich Sonne, Certified California Naturalist.

Carpenter is well known for her Davis garden featuring more than 400 different cultivars and species of natives, many of which she propagated herself. Sonne, an accredited California native plant landscaper, “is passionate about climate-appropriate, low-water gardens that support pollinators and create a strong sense of place,” say the hosts.

“Learn how to grow your own native plants from scratch – and why it’s one of the best things you can do for your farm, garden, and local ecosystem,” say the organizers. “Native plants are naturally adapted to California’s soils, climate, and seasons. Once established, they support native wildlife, attract and house beneficial insects, and significantly reduce your landscape’s water needs. In this workshop, you’ll learn the hands-on skills to start multiplying them yourself and take home several plants to help get your garden growing.”

Among the lessons will be:

* Propagation techniques including cuttings, layering, divisions, and seed starting;

* Stratification and scarification methods for seeds that need a little coaxing to germinate;

* How to identify, collect, and assess plant materials and seeds on a guided plant walk; and

* Common propagation problems and diseases – and the nursery sanitation practices that prevent them.

No prior gardening experience is necessary, say the organizers.

Registration fee is $75 including materials, cuttings and plants. Women in agriculture and military veterans can both receive discounts. Thanks to the support of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, Sacramento Chapter, women in agriculture may apply for a 50% percent discount. Military veterans can receive a full scholarship to this class thanks to a grant from the Farmer Veteran Coalition, California chapter. (Both discounts require filling out a form; links are available on the event page.)

Center for Land-Based Learning is located at 40140 Best Ranch Road, Woodland.