Pink Passion Flower in the Med Garden. Flowering most of the year, its fruits are a favorite of the Garden's squirrels.

Free Garden Tours December 3 and December 17 at 10:00am. These free, docent-led tours feature the Gardens’ unique horticultural collections. The 30-minute tours are designed for the entire family.  Kids will love it. The tour begins at the Sensory Garden. For more information about the tours, or to schedule a private group tour, contact Ron at ronele@earthlink.net

Community Volunteer Work Party Events

December 3, Saturday- 9am-12pm: Overall Gardens and the Mediterranean Garden . The more the merrier!!

December 17, Saturday- 9am-12pm: Palmetum, Rhododendron, and Sensory Gardens

As autumn weather moves into the rainy season, the weather becomes more unpredictable.  If it is rainy, we’ll meet behind the lathe house/Vireya display garden, where we will plant cuttings. Tea and cookies will be served!

Bring a friend and a garden tool. When volunteering, receive a parking pass at the kiosk by telling the attendant you are with the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt.

Holiday Fun and Cheer: Holidays at Dunsmuire , 2960 Peralta Oaks Drive,  Weekends through December 18. www.dunsmuir.org

Upcoming Events

Bay Island Bonsai will host its Annual Bonsai Exhibition January 14-15 at the Lakeside Park Garden Center from 10am to 4pm both days.  A Bonsai auction will be held Saturday at 1pm (preview begins at noon). This exhibition is free to the public.

For more information call 510-919-5042 or visit www.bayislandbonsai.com