CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Guest Rave: Free gardening lectures at Roger’s Gardens — Definitely worth raving about.

Context: I am a new homeowner and gardening, especially in this neighborhood, is intimidating. I’ve been a happy renter, with the weekly gardener and no decisions, for years. That I can walk my kids to school and stop and smell real roses, every morning, is still amazing for me.

This past Saturday’s seminar at Roger’s was on “Flowering Shrubs.” (Much less scary than something like roses.) Since this was my first gardening event, I was relieved there were at least 50 people there already, and more trickled in after me. The nursery manager described future events – which do sound really interesting – and then Dalia, the shrub lady, did her thing for the next 45 minutes. Tons of information on how plants thrive, unusual varieties to consider, how to prune and alternatives to the ubiquitous: goodbye boxwood! Whew – I had writer’s cramp by the end.

It was great information, really well delivered. I can’t believe A) I haven’t taken advantage of this before and B) there weren’t more people there.

Yes, Roger’s Gardens is in the business of selling plants. However the staff enthusiasm for what they do and how well they do it, takes much of the sales tarnish away. Dalia (Brunner, the speaker) was so informative, passionate, articulate – and encouraging, she could easily become my gardening guru. She provided a two-page list of the plants discussed, a survey and a raffle at the end for free plants – yeah!

I think I’ve already missed the rose seminars for this year. That’s OK, I’ll be there for sure next year.