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Clovis Botanical Garden starts Science Saturday monthly events

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

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“Dirt made my lunch” —The Banana Slug String Band

In elementary school, the Banana Slug String Band really hammered in the point that food comes from the soil. The sad truth was my mom was only an assembly worker in the ecosystem of brown bag lunches—dirt did all the work, and it continues to do so.

If you want to discover more about the magic of dirt, there’s no need to expose yourself to this ear-worm of a song. You can just head to Clovis Botanical Garden on Saturday, Jan. 6, for a Science Saturday event that’s fun for the entire family.

Located on Alluvial and Clovis avenues next to Dry Creek park, Clovis Botanical Garden is a local treasure. I’ve written before about their mission to educate the public about gardening, as well as their community events. There are a lot of garden designs to see, and all of them are compatible with our Valley’s gardening zone. CBG offers help with water-wise gardening and other tips, like how to mulch, but their newest venture is geared for the entire family.

January is for Critters and Compost

On the first Saturday of every month, Clovis Botanical Garden offers an all-ages Science Saturday event that explores in a hands-on way a topic relevant to the the Central Valley and the season. The cost is $10 for the entire family to attend, with proceeds going to the Clovis Botanical Garden Children’s Garden Project.

Check it out this Saturday and get the dirt on dirt. The theme for January is Critters and Compost, and it will explore the ecosystem in the soil and include a worm bin. I don’t know why, but it seems like kids go crazy for worms.

Aside from the worm bin, there will be a guided walk, games, and an experiment related to all things compost. After learning all about dirt and who lives in it, you can take home your own compost. If your New Year’s resolution is to be kind to the earth, or if you just want nice dirt in your yard, composting is the way to go. It can be a daunting thought to turn kitchen scraps into soil, but here’s your chance to try it and explore the various ways dirt makes your lunch.

Clovis Science Saturday

Event Details

What: Science Saturday at Clovis Botanical Garden
Where: 945 N. Clovis Ave. Clovis, CA 93611
When: First Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $10 per family, payable at the gate
RSVP: Allyson Smith, allysonshaidnagle@gmail.com, or Robin Locktov, drdman2010@aol.com

For more information, check out the Clovis Botanical Garden website here or visit the event page on Facebook here.

Here’s what you should do this weekend

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com
I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

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Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some fun suggestions for events happening in Fresno and beyond.

Don’t forget Fresno State men’s basketball tomorrow—it’s a big game for the team and for fans!

Friday

do this weekend 36

Christmas with Des Monique

Where: Vision View Business Formation Center, 4974 E Clinton Way, Fresno, California 93727
When: 8 p.m. Friday 
What: Celebrate the holiday season with some of your favorite jazz and soul Christmas hits performed by Des Monique. With special appearances by Delilah Kidane, BranDee Shanae, Bri Janelle, Haillie Williams and Talia Archie. Holiday photo ops, food trucks, plus a pop-up by D’s House of Coffee and Cider.
Details: Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door. [More]

The Beat Down Competitive Poetry Slam

Where: Bitwise South Stadium 
When: 8 p.m. Friday 
What: This event happens every third Friday.
Details: Cost is $5. [More]

Nate Butler’s 26th Annual Mmm-Mmm Christmas

Where: Fulton 55
When: 9 p.m. Friday 
What: Come sing Christmas carols guided by host Nate Butler and accompanist Scott Hatfield.
Details: 21 and over only. Tickets are $3 in advance, $4 at the door. [More]

Rockville At Goldstein’s

Where: Goldstein’s Mortuary & Delicatessen
When: 9 p.m. Friday 
What: Live music.
Details: [More]

Soul Butter with Carlos Montano Band

Where: Kocky’s Bar & Grill 
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday 
What: Live music.
Details: Doors open at 8 p.m., music begins at 9:30 p.m. Kitchen will be open until midnight. Chicken and waffles served all day. [More]

Saturday

do this weekend 36

Vineyard Farmers Market Holiday Gift & Craft Show 2017

Where: Vineyard Farmers Market
When: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday
What: In addition to the fresh local fruit, vegetables, dried fruit and nuts, honey, local cheeses, locally roasted coffee, locally produced single source chocolates, fresh breads and pastries, fresh squeezed orange and pomegranate juice, Top of the Hill jams and jellies, and soups and pot pies from Mediterranean To Go, the Vineyard will offer space to holiday artists and crafters.
Details: [More]

Christmas Fun in the Garden

Where: Clovis Botanical Garden
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
What: Crafts for children, treats, and photo ops in a beautiful garden setting. 
Details: $10 per family. [More]

Rush Day 2017

Where: Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co.
When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday
What: Rush Day is the annual celebration of artisan coffee and coffee-infused beers.
Details: [More]

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Free Showing)

Where: The Crest Theatre
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
What: On the outskirts of Whoville, there lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans on ruining the Christmas holiday for all of the citizens of the town.
Details: Free admission. Seating is limited. [More]

The Experience’s Holiday Extravaganza

Where: Bitwise South Stadium 
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
What: Enjoy the soulful sounds of Ray Moore on vocals/drums, Eva Scow on electric mandolin, Mike Taylor on guitar, and Patrick Olvera on bass. Drawing from influences such as James Brown, Earth Wind and Fire, and Tower of Power, it is sure to be a groovin’ good time.
Details: Tickets are available for $12 at Bitwise South Stadium or online (surcharges may apply), and at the door for $15. [More]

Sunday

do this weekend 36

Stress Relief Party

Where: Common Space
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday 
What: There will be puppies, games, and a bubble floor, plus snacks and wine.
Details: Hosted by My LGBT Plus. [More]

Master Guitarist Mike Taylor

Where: Tower Records
When: 5 p.m. Sunday
What: Solo acoustic guitar and refreshments.
Details: Free admission. [More]

“Twilight Thursdays” bring music to Clovis Botanical Garden

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

Latest posts by JoAnn Hallum (see all)

Attention, nature lovers: Starting this month, Clovis Botanical Garden will host Twilight Thursdays, a series of concerts under the stars and among the greenery.

Clovis Botanical Garden

Bring a picnic blanket and chairs and eat your dinner to the sounds of Uncle Ephus, Gilly Girls,  Two For the Road, and JT & Sarah.

Admission is free, and drinks and desserts are available for purchase. The series will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 14, 21, and 28, and Oct. 5. 

What’s in the Garden?

If you can’t make it on Thursdays, a trip to the Clovis Botanical Garden is still worth your time. It’s a useful local resource for those who want a nice garden and an equally nice water bill. Specializing in helping people make water-wise, region-appropriate planting choices when they landscape, the garden is both beautiful and informative.

You can walk through several types of gardens, all adaptable to our climate. Did you know our climate is similar to the climate in the Mediterranean? Happily, this doesn’t restrict your gardening to olive trees and cyprus. You can branch out and tour the entire garden to get great ideas, no matter your taste. There’s even a section with different designs geared to different lifestyles—if you prefer rocks and pebbles over plants, for example, Clovis Botanical Garden has you covered.

Clovis Botanical Garden

Forget the plants and put cement and pebbles in your front yard.

Not to make this entire article about me, but I have a secret passion for cacti. I don’t own any, personally, because they seem impractical for a household full of children. But if you’re interested in seeing what will thrive in our gardening zone, take a gander at these beauties below.

Clovis Botanical Garden

One of the most helpful aspects of the Botanical Garden is the fact that all of the plants have markers with their names on it. Not just limited to flowers and plants, there are also sprinkler exhibits that will help you plan a water-wise drip system as well as samplings of mulch.

The goal of the Clovis Botanical Garden is to promote water conservation in Central Valley landscapes, so this is the place to go if you want a beautiful yard without hurting our water tables. As a bonus, native plants are adapted to the ridiculously hot summer we are having, so your investment will probably live longer than a season (no promises).

Even if you’re not in the mood to plant a tree, the Garden is a great place to take a quiet walk. With three acres to explore, you’re bound to find some plants you enjoy. Right now, there are lavender fields that smell amazing, and inviting benches dotting the landscape. It will definitely refresh your senses.

Upcoming Events at the Clovis Botanical Garden

Twilight Thursday Concert Series: Sept. 14, 21, 28 and Oct. 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Garden hours/gift shop: Open Wednesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fall Plant Sale and Fair: Saturday, Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information contact Ree (559) 349-1811

Location
945 N. Clovis Ave., Clovis (corner of Clovis and Alluvial Aavenues)
Check out their website here or call (559) 298-3091 for more information.
Clovis Botanical Garden