NAPA VALLEY: Tour dream Kitchens in the Vineyards
If you could design the kitchen of your dreams, what would it look like?
For a chance to see dream kitchens come true, try today's (Saturday, April 26) Kitchens in the Vineyards, a self-guided tour of five homes that not only would please a cook, but which have enviable zones for entertaining.
Each of the featured homes is distinctive, from a Tuscan-style farmhouse to a minimalist Scandinavian sanctuary, a contemporary prefab to an Arts & Crafts Revival.
Each of the featured homes in the tour, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is styled by noted designers and florists and enhanced with spring table settings. Area chefs and local cookbook authors will also be on hand with food for tasting and books to sign.
Cost is $65 for general admission or $100 for a VIP pass that includes an opportunity to meet after the main tour with the design professionals responsible for two of the homes. A ticket includes wine and a chance to query the creative teams for tips and ideas.
For more information or to purchase last-minute tickets, call 258-5559 before Saturday. On Saturday, go to the Will Call at the Napa Valley Welcome Center, 600 Main St., Napa. Tickets will be sold from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 251-5895. musicinthevineyards.org or kitchensinthevineyards.org.
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SONOMA: Drip irrigation workshop Saturday
One of the smartest things a home gardener can do is install a drip irrigation system.
The Valley of the Moon Garden Club will offer a free workshop Saturday, April 26, on how to buy components, set up a system and maintain it. The class will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center, Room 11, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. No reservation is necessary, but people are urged to bring a notebook and pen. At the end of class, there will be a chance to ask questions and do some hands-on assembly with help from garden club members.
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SONOMA COUNTY: Earth Day festivities continue
Earth Day was Tuesday, but a series of events in Sonoma County continues to celebrate the planet and promote ways to live more lightly on the land.
Quarryhill Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen is throwing a big Earth Day celebration today, April 26, with a host of activities for the family, refreshments and a plant sale featuring rare plants at affordable prices. Festivities range from solar observing and fly casting to Chinese dancing and archery as well as fava bean planting, rare reptiles, free popcorn and tea tastings. The free event at the 25-acre garden will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 12841 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen. 996-3166 or quarryhillbg.org.
The Town of Windsor marks Earth Day on Sunday, April 27, with special activities, the opening of the Windsor Farmer's Market and a plant sale held by the Windsor Garden Club. Look for container gardens, veggie starts and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Windsor Town Green.
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NAPA: Heifer International open house May 3
For 70 years, Heifer International has worked to ease world hunger and poverty by helping people help themselves. It does it not by sending food but by sending the means to produce food, and income, in the form of livestock.
The sustainably managed Wombat's Farm in Napa will celebrate Heifer's 70th anniversary May 3 with an open house to see how Heifer's values and projects are demonstrated locally.
The free public event includes self-guided farm tours, displays and hands-on activities. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. 2059 Curry Lane, Napa. To register, visit heifer.org/communities or call 877-243-4337.
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SONOMA COUNTY: Get started on your planting at sales
Plant sales galore entice backyard growers over the next few weeks with homegrown starts, many at bargain prices.
Occidental Arts Ecology Center: This intentional community dedicated to promoting sustainable living practices throws one of the premiere plant sales of North Bay, with a huge selection of carefully curated heirloom veggies grown organically in their own greenhouses and gardens.
A sale of early crops will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, and May 3 and 4.
The center, dedicated to sustainable living practices, has maintained its organic gardens for some 40 years. It is located at 15290 Coleman Valley Road, Occidental. 874-1557 or oaec.org.
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Willowside School: Thousands of plants are up for sale at bargain prices, including many trees, perennials, grasses and shrubs. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, April 26. 5299 Hall at Willowside Road, Santa Rosa. 569-4724.
The Santa Rosa Garden Club: Featuring plants propagated by club members, with an emphasis on drought-tolerant plants including succulents and perennials. The sale, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, April 26, also includes an indoor "garage sale" with used garden-related items. At the Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa.
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