April is National Garden Month

We have seeds from local companies to make your garden grow!
Douglas-Michel butterfly plants is a husband/wife team from Aromas that has been supplying us with varieties of milkweed seeds for many years. They run a home-based nursery that is dedicated to providing quality plants that attract butterflies; and to educating the public about the challenges presented in preserving the environment for butterflies. Their specialty is growing Monarch host plants including Ascelpias curassavica ("Silky Gold" and "Red Butterfly"), Asclepias Speciosa, and Asclepias Fruticosa (nut tree). Visitors to Natural Bridges are often motivated after visiting the park, to plant milkweed as this is the only plant on which the Monarch butterflies choose to lay their eggs. These are available at Natural Bridges only.

This year we chose selections from the vast seed offerings of Renee's Garden in Felton. Owner, Renee Shepard, established Renee's Garden to do what she likes best - searching out the very best seeds from around the world, testing them in her own gardens, cooking (and developing recipes around their unique characteristics), and sharing them with other gardeners.
The seeds are enclosed in individually written packets which feature beautiful watercolor portraits, personally written descriptions, complete growing instructions, a quick-view planting chart, growing tips, harvesting information and cooking ideas.





















Variety packets of Renee's seeds are available in all 5 of our parkstores.

For 101 suggestions for celebrating National Garden Month visit the National Gardening Association website here. http://www.nationalgardenmonth.org/index.php?page=101ways

Celebrate at Wilder Ranch on April 30 by attending the Spring Garden Planting Day/Earth Day Celebration. On Saturday, April 30 from 11:00am to 3:00pm, you can plant a seed for Earth Day at Wilder Ranch State Park. You’ll get your hands dirty while helping plant a little history in the Wilder Ranch Heirloom Garden. Ranch Hands of all ages are welcome. Children can plant and bring home their own sunflower or heirloom bean. There will be living history demonstrations, composting information, and refreshments. For more information follow this link. http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/whatsnew/news_detail.php?id=178