The Gardens enjoyed a busy summer – the “Music In the Gardens” event, June 6, brought some 1,000 visitors to the Gardens for a day of musical performances and garden demonstrations. The Japanese Garden’s beautiful new fence, made using ancient techniques, is timeless and beautiful.  And the newest garden, the Mediterranean Garden, received oohs and ahhs at its dedication this summer. 

 If you’ve visited the Gardens lately (and we hope you have), you probably said, “Wow, the Gardens look especially beautiful.”  It takes a community to upkeep this seven-acre jewel. Special thanks go to Public Works Park Supervisor Tora Rocha and her staff for their commitment to making the Gardens at Lake Merritt the true Green Heart of Oakland. 

 The Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt, headed by Bruce Cobbledick, have contributed innumerable volunteer hours to the Gardens.  Gratitude and thanks go to Bank of America, Chevron, Google, Kaiser Permanente, KIPP King Collegiate High School (San Lorenzo) and Home Depot and their volunteer teams for making the Gardens a centerpiece of  “A Week of Caring” in September. In addition, Hands-On Bay Area volunteers are making an outstanding and ongoing contribution to the Gardens. Thank you, thank you! 

For tips on fall and winter gardening, the Alameda County Master Gardeners offer some great suggestions under Edible Gardens.  And don’t forget, the Master Gardeners are on hand to answer your questions every Wednesday and Saturday from 11am to 1pm in the Edible/Community Garden.

 We look forward to seeing you in the Gardens, whether you are taking a stroll, pulling a few weeds or simply soaking in the tranquility of autumn in a garden.