Got a garden? Shop local at Harvest Day

A “Gardener’s Dream Day” has to have this surefire ingredient: Shopping!

In that respect, Harvest Day never disappoints. The Sacramento area’s largest free garden gathering of its kind always has a large contingent of local garden-related vendors and this week’s edition continues that tradition.

Set for Saturday, Aug. 3, Harvest Day is open free to the public from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fair Oak Horticulture Center in Fair Oaks Park. Hosted by the Sacramento County master gardeners, the event focuses on garden education. Browsing the curated vendors is always part of the fun.

Among the vendors confirmed for Harvest Day:

Full Moon Metal Design – Based in West Sacramento, this studio turns recycled metal into creative garden art.

BirdFeedersRUs – Another masterful recycler, Hal Malmquist of Folsom turns vintage glass dishes into eye-catching (and bird-pleasing) feeders (for hummingbirds and other birds, too). He also makes whimsical glass-plate flowers and garden art.

Miridae Mobile Nursery – “The taco truck of nurseries,” this pop-up business brings native plants to people throughout the greater Sacramento area, promoting sustainability and supporting wildlife one garden at a time.

Morningsun Herb Farm – Got herbs? If it can grow in the greater Sacramento area, this beloved Vacaville nursery likely has it among its amazing selection, which includes perennials and native plants in addition to many herbs.

Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society – Interested in starting a succulent collection? Members of this very active club offer young plants grown from their own personal gardens. Find many rarities at affordable prices.

The Shaman’s Garden – This vendor specializes in exotic herbs and botanicals for natural healing.

Fleet Feet – Gardeners spend a lot of time on their feet. These folks know how to keep those feet comfortable.

Besides these vendors, Harvest Day will feature four food trucks: Chando's (home of famous tacos), World Fare (with an eclectic menu including London tri-tip, Asian pork sliders and German cheeseburgers), Java Johnny’s (coffee, of course) and Kona Ice (featuring Hawaiian shaved ice).

In addition, dozens of educational tables will greet patrons in the shady area under the oaks near the Hort Center entrance. Get advice on a wide range of garden topics from fertilizers to water-wise landscaping. (Make sure to drop by the Sacramento Digs Gardening table, too!)

The Fair Oaks Horticulture Center is at 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, just south of Madison Avenue.