Willow Glen Resident

Community

Earth Day by Guadalupe river and park brings out the green in all

By Mary Gottschalk

Guadalupe River Park & Gardens will celebrate Earth Day 2006 with an expanded Spring in Guadalupe Gardens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 22.

Willow Glen resident and volunteer Marianne Sugg said this year's event offers new reasons to go to the gardens.

"The gardens have expanded, the park is more open and the trails are more complete," Sugg said. " People can come and enjoy the gardens, even make a whole day of it. Spend time exploring it all."

Sugg has been volunteering at the event for seven years and says the day's events aren't just for gardeners.

Along with plant sales, garden art and gardening advice, the event will also have displays of electric cars and information on green building, composting, solar home conversion and alternative energy products, such as solar ovens.

Vintage agricultural equipment once used throughout the Santa Clara Valley will be on display. Vendors of specialty roses with professional gardeners will be on hand to offer free advice.

The Bay Area Garden Railway Society will have a display of model trains large enough to incorporate into a backyard gardenscape.

Children will find several activities including a ladybug house where they can touch and observe the bugs while learning how they benefit the garden.

At the Garden Center, 715 Spring St., Summerwinds Nursery is offering speakers on soil amendments at 10 a.m., pest control at noon and container gardening at 2 p.m.

The event is free and stretches throughout Guadalupe Gardens from Coleman Avenue to Taylor Street. Most activities are in Columbus Park at Spring and Taylor streets and at the visitor and education center at 438 Coleman Ave.