Published on 05/29/2010

Home and garden events

Santa Clara Valley Orchid Society. Bay Area orchid expert Dennis Olivas discusses cultivation techniques for Phalaenopsis orchids. 7 p.m. June 2. American Legion Hall, 1504 Minnesota Ave., San Jose. Free. 408-399-3123, www.santaclaravalleyorchid society.org.

California Native Plant Society. Stephanie Curtis shares pruning tips for native plants. 7-8:30 p.m. June 3. Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Ave. 408-715-7020, www.cnps-scv.org.

San Jose Orchid Exposition. Meet experts, learn orchid-growing techniques and do a little wine-tasting at this fifth annual show and sale in San Jose's Japantown.

Includes sessions for beginners. 5:30-9 p.m. June 4, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. June 5 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 6. Miraido Club House, 550 N. Sixth St., San Jose. Free admission. 408-623-0413, www.real orchidgrowers.com.

Success with Succulents. Everything you need to know, including: why all cactuses are succulents, but not all succulents are cactuses. 7-8:30 p.m. June 4. Evergreen Branch Library, 2635 Aborn Road, San Jose. Free. 408-623-3176, www.evergreen valleygardenclub.org.

South Bay June Home & Garden Show. Pick up innovative remodeling tips and decorating ideas from home improvement specialists, watch grill gurus Mad Dog and Merrill and meet KGO-AM

radio host Gene Burns (June 5 only). Mad science experiments for the kids (June 5-6). Noon-8 p.m. June 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 5 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 6. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway. Adults, $7 when purchased online (otherwise $10); seniors, $5 online; children 12 and under, free. Parking is free. 408-236-2000, www.southbayhomeshow.com.

Sustainable Pest Management. Learn how to deal with pesky critters in a sustainable and proactive way during a Master Gardener class. 1-3 p.m. June 5. Sunnyvale Teaching and Demonstration Garden, 433 Charles St. Free. 408-282-3105, http:// mastergardeners.org/scc.html.

Springtime with peonies. View more than 200 varieties. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (except Wednesdays, when hours are 9 a.m.-noon) through June 6. Chateau CharMarron Peony Gardens, 5335 Sierra Road, San Jose. 408-251-7048, www.4peonies.com.

Nola's Iris Garden. Visit the five-acre site and see 1,800 bearded varieties. Picnic lunches welcome. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through June 13. 4195 Sierra Road, San Jose. 408-258-2611, www. walking-p-bar.com/shopsite.

SAN FRANCISCO

Last days for Decorator Showcase. See rooms transformed by Bay Area interior decorators. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday and Memorial Day. $25-$30 at the door, 3450 Washington St. 415-447-3115, www.decoratorshowcase.org.

PENINSULA

Symphony in Flowers. Garden party set in a Mediterranean-style garden in Woodside will benefit the Mid-Peninsula League of the San Francisco Symphony. Event will feature live music by members of the San Francisco Symphony, preconcert entertainment by the Peninsula All Star Jazz Band, wines and appetizers, informal tours, plein air paintings and advice from Master Gardeners. 4-7 p.m. June 5. Tickets: 650-968-4596.

Climate and Microclimate for Gardeners. Find out how to identify and take advantage of the microclimates in your yard. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 29. Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center, 559 College Ave., Palo Alto. $31. 650-493-6072, http:// climategarden.eventbrite.com.

Bridget Biscotti Bradley. Meet the author of "The Green Home: A Sunset Design Guide." 7:30 p.m. June 2. Kepler's Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Free. 650-324-4321, www.keplers.com.

Toddlers on the Farm. Join your little one — and be prepared to get dirty — during the three-part series for children, 18 months to 31/2 years, and their parents or caregiver. $60 for the first adult and child, $30 for each additional person. Hidden Villa Ranch, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos. 650-949-9704, www. hiddenvilla.org.

Planting for Summer Color. Instructor Mimi Clarke suggests plants for producing stunning summer color. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 5. Filoli Center, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. $50-$65. 650-364-8300, www.filoli.org.

Yoga for Gardeners. Avoid Monday morning aches and pains through yoga practice. All levels welcome. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 5. Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center, 559 College Ave., Palo Alto. $31. 650-493-6072, www.common groundinpaloalto.org.

Global garden. Dan Hinkley, author of "The Explorer's Garden: Shrubs and Vines from the Four Corners of the World," talks about favorite finds that are adaptable in Peninsula gardens. 4-5 p.m. June 5. Roger Reynolds Nursery, 133 Encinal Ave., Menlo Park. $15. 650-323-5612, www.rogerreynoldsnursery.com.

Summer pruning. Learn how to control fruit tree growth during a workshop that includes a hands-on demonstration. An open garden follows. 10 a.m. June 5. Master Gardeners Palo Alto Demonstration Garden, 851 Center Drive, Palo Alto. Free. 408-282-3105, http://mastergardeners.org/scc.html.

source: http://www.mercurynews.com/home-garden/ci_15183449?nclick_check=1