If you are a frequent visitor of SYV Botanic Garden you might agree that every week you find new plants and things to see and explore. If you have not yet ventured to the SYVBG, we look forward to your first visit. Did you know that with COVID-19 in mind, fun and challenging family activities and instructions are available on line. Simply download instructions before your next visit.
Don't forget to make a wish and hang it on the wishing tree, it's free.
Kids are encouraged to crawl through the children's tunnel, pretending to be a ground squirrel or any other underground resident. Explore the willow maze, medicinal garden and basket weaving garden and count how many birds, butterflies and lizards the children will find. See, but don't touch!
SYV Botanic Garden is enjoying a steady increase in the number of visitors from near and far as it has become a popular destination in the valley. It is a hidden treasure lacking directional signs, yet many find their way and prepare themselves to 'Take a Walk on the Wild Side'. Chances are high that you'll run into one or more happy volunteers. If you do, challenge them with questions related to the garden.
In the next couple of months we have quite a few scheduled projects taking place at the garden thanks to the garden's members, sponsors and volunteers;
Tule Ap' (House) by Julio Carrillo & Volunteers
The exciting project can be followed at the south east corner of the garden, adjacent to the basket weaving garden and medicinal garden.
Completion is expected by the end of August, 2020.
Sponsored by The Chumash Foundation.
Gate Installation by Allied Fence
A utility gate is scheduled for installation at the south west end of the garden.
The project is expected to be completed by August, 2020.
Sponsored by City of Buellton and overseen by SYVBGF and City of Buellton.
Mural Restoration by Volunteers
The decorative Storm Drain Mural sharing a Chumash tale of a Magpie, Coyote and greed is scheduled to receive a new coat of paint by Chumash volunteers.
Completion expected by the end of August, 2020.
Sponsored by The Chumash Foundation
A Gateway to SYV Botanic Garden
Two donated and artistically tiled pillars and a steel sign are scheduled for installation at the east end of the bridge, welcoming visitors to the Botanic Garden.
The project is overseen by SYVBGF, Mark Braun, Dan Hemming, Pat Carson and Tyler Powers.
Completion expected by September, 2020.
For additional information and photos of the pillars, visit www.santaynezvalleybotanicgarden.org.
Sponsored by City of Buellton.
Medicinal Garden. by Volunteers
Completion expected by August, 2020.
Sponsored by Wood-Claeyssen's Foundation, Manzanita Nursery, Windmill Nursery, Yes Yes Nursery and SYS Stone &Topsoil.
Pollinator Garden, by The Valley Gardener & Volunteers
A new information sign is expected to be installed by December, 2020
Sponsored by The Garden Club of Santa Barbara
Slope Restoration by The Valley Gardener and volunteers.
Figueroa Mountain Garden and Chaparral slope
Completion Fall 2020 - Spring 2021.
Sponsored by Los Olivos Rotary
Basket Weaving Garden by Julio Carrillo & Volunteers
Planting, Work Station
Completion, December 2020 - Spring 2021
Sponsored by the Chumash Foundation
Rain Garden by The Valley Gardener, Volunteers
Installation of Rain Garden (Center of the Garden)
Expected completion; Fall 2021
Confirmed sponsors and In-Kind Donations ;
SYS Stone & Topsoil, Curtis Homes, Manzanita Nursery, Yes Yes Nursery
Windmill Nursery, Resource Recovery & Waste Management, Dawn and Luke Ensign.
(To become a sponsor, please visit www.santaynezvalleybotanicgarden.org)
Art in the Garden
Nature takes the Wheel: Recycled Hubcaps
On display through September, 2020
Sponsors; Wildling Museum, City of Buellton, SYVBGF
Perhaps you're interested in becoming involved in your local SYV Botanic Garden (SYVBG) but you do not know how? In that case I am happy to share that it is an easy process and you will find that the garden has plenty of membership, sponsorship and exciting volunteer opportunities. The best news is that there is most likely one or more projects that is a perfect fit for you and your loved ones, especially during COVID-19. Better yet, most volunteer opportunities can be done on your own time and schedule.
Are you not particularly interested in doing physical volunteer work? Well, then you have come to the right place. SYVBG have volunteer opportunities that can be completed from the comfort of your home or office. Contact us and we will find you a volunteer task that will best fit your schedule and ability.
If you prefer to be outdoors, the garden has daily openings for volunteers to assist with anything from propagation, horticulture, maintenance, new installations, pruning, irrigation, art, birding/wildlife, group projects, small business/corporate volunteer opportunities, teaching opportunities and so much more.
If you or your local business is interested in becoming a financial sponsor, you can do so by applying for a membership, award a sponsorship or grant, or provide tax deductible in-kind donations towards operations and installations. A list of projects and materials is available per request.
To find out more, visit www.santaynezvalleybotanicgarden.org
Eva Powers
President
SYVBGF