Home & garden news, events

<p>SANTA ROSA</p><p><MC>Free Dec. 5 talk on <QA0></p><p>Sudden Oak Death</p><p><MC>Specialists in Sudden Oak Death (SOD) will present a free lecture on the disease from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in Santa Rosa.</p><p>The workshop will be led by Master Gardeners who have completed extensive training in the biology of Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen that causes SOD, and the preventative treatment options available.</p><p>Their lecture will cover the origins, symptoms, hazards and spread of SOD within Sonoma County, which oaks are susceptible, and what actions homeowners can take to manage the disease on their property.</p><p>The workshop will be held at the UC Cooperative Extension office, 133 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa. Groups interested in contacting an SOD specialist for a presentation at one of their meetings may call the Master Gardener Santa Rosa office at 565-2608.</p><p>SANTA ROSA</p><p><MC>Get in holiday mood <QA0></p><p>at Burbank’s home</p><p><MC>Luther Burbank’s home, decked out for Christmas, will be open for tours during the annual Holiday Open House at the historic site in downtown Santa Rosa Dec. 5 and 6.</p><p>Amble by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for refreshments, children’s craft activities, exhibits, specialty gifts and tours. Admission is a scant $2, free for kids under 12. Located at Santa Rosa and Sonoma avenues. 524-5445, lutherburbank.org.</p><p>SAUSALITO</p><p><MC>Final weekend for Heath Ceramics sale</p><p><MC>This is the last weekend for the Heath Ceramics sample sale.</p><p>The Sausalito factory, one of the last remaining potteries still in continuous operation from the iconic, midcentury American era, is tapping into a new generation of collectors. Its dinnerware is used in top restaurants like Chez Panisse, Brasserie 44 and The Slanted Door.</p><p>Heath collectors are invited to bring their vintage or unidentified pieces today <NO1>11/28 <NO>from 1 to 3 p.m. to learn more about their history. Hours for the sample sale are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. 400 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito. (415) 332-3732 or heathceramics.com.</p><p>]PETALUMA</p><p><MC>Christkindlmarkt taps Old World spirit</p><p><MC>Maybe it’s their long tradition of toymaking, their storybook snowy landscapes and gift for making goodies. And after all, they’re also credited with popularizing the Christmas tree.</p><p>There’s something about Germans and Christmas that goes hand in hand. On Sunday,<NO1><NO> tap into that tradition at the Christkindlmarkt or Christmas Market at the Hermann Sons Hall. Traditional crafts, food, music and entertainment from Germany, Austria and Switzerland will transport you to a wintry Old World. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 860 Western Ave., Petaluma. Admission is free. 763-4060.</p><p>PETALUMA|SANTA ROSA</p><p><MC>Cottage Gardens holds dual open houses</p><p><MC>Cottage Gardens throws a holiday open house at both of its stores (in Petaluma and Santa Rosa) today and Sunday<NO1><NO></p><p>Homemade cookies, coffee, apple cider, music and holiday cheer will greet shoppers looking for the perfect garden gift, from poinsettias and paperwhites to amaryllis bulbs and heirloom quality ornaments.</p><p>Free ornaments will be awarded with each purchase of $25 or more, compliments of co-owner Bruce Shanks, an avid ornament collector.</p><p>Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3995 Emerald Ave., Petaluma (778-8025) and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2780 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa (569-8624).</p><p>SAN FRANCISCO</p><p><MC>Two weekends of crafts at Fort Mason</p><p><MC>For polished and professional one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, make a day in the city at the Celebration of Craftswomen this weekend and next.</p><p>Nearly three dozen North Bay artisans who work in everything from leather and ceramics to fiber arts and metal will be among the talented women on hand with their wares.</p><p>The market, which benefits programs of The Women’s Building, a community center serving women and girls in San Francisco, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday and Dec. 5 and 6. Cost is $8.50 or $6.50 for seniors, students and the disabled. Kids under 13 get in free. In the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason Center, Buchanan Street at Marina Boulevard, San Francisco. (650) 615-6838.</p><p>Compiled by Staff Writer Meg McConahey. Home and garden news items may be directed to meg.mcconahey@pressdemocrat.com or by calling 521-5204.</p>