Want to identify native Californian riparian shrubs even in the depths of winter? Learn how with local Master Arborist, Rodney Thurman, at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden’s Winter Shrub Discovery: CA Native Shrub I.D. and Propagation Workshop. This online class will focus on key elements of plant identification of deciduous, riparian shrubs. Learn about bud form, bud arrangement and other details that will help you identify these plants without leaves. Get some hands-on experience preparing and propagating native riparian shrubs from hardwood cuttings. Plant material, pot and potting soil will be provided for this interactive online workshop. Please provide your own pruning shears.
The Winter Shrub Discovery workshop will take place on Saturday, January 30th from 1- 3 pm. The cost for SLOBG members is $30 and $35 for non-members, and includes all materials. Attendance is limited to 25 and ticket sales will end at noon on the day before the event. Details at slobg.org.
Ever since Rodney Thurman can remember, he has been interested in plants and how they grow. Beginning in 1989, after his time as a U.S. Marine, Rodney began working his way through college in the retail and wholesale nursery business. In 1994 he was introduced to native plant propagation and restoration while in a work-study position. After graduating from The Evergreen State College in 1996 Rodney did contract work for the Washington State University Cooperative Extension, helping to build native-plant, educational gardens and teaching ethnobotany classes. From 2011 to 2014, Rodney worked as Director of Native Plant Propagation for Greenheart Farms, a large wholesale nursery in Arroyo Grande, California. Rodney became an ISA certified arborist in 2002 and an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist in 2019. Recently, Rodney ventured out on his own and started Heritage Tree Arboricultural Consulting where he consults with landowners, developers and individuals to help assess, preserve and protect their trees and native landscapes.
About San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is celebrating over 30 years of sowing seeds and growing together. The Garden is located at 3450 Dairy Creek Rd. It is spread out on 150 acres in El Chorro Regional Park off Highway 1 between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Through its programs and facilities, the Garden fosters an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between people and nature, and encourages a sense of stewardship for the natural environment. To learn more visit slobg.org or the SLO Botanical Garden Facebook page.