UC Davis Arboretum hosts free midweek tour, in search of signs of spring
Warren Roberts will lead his first "Walk With Warren" of 2025 this Wednesday, Feb. 19, starting at noon. Courtesy UC Davis Arboretum and Public Gardens
He’s back! Warren Roberts – everybody’s favorite guide to UC Davis Arboretum’s beautiful gardens – returns for a free midweek tour of the campus collections.
Set for noon Wednesday, Feb. 19, “Walk with Warren” will spotlight late-winter bloomers and early signs of spring with Roberts leading the way. With beautiful spring-like weather forecast, this lunchtime stroll should be doubly delightful.
Roberts probably knows these gardens better than anyone. As the Arboretum’s former superintendent, he had a direct hand in planting them.
Admission is free and no advance reservations are necessary. Just show up by noon at the Gazebo in the Arboretum’s Shields Garden.
“Get ready to immerse yourself in the vivid beauty of the UC Davis Arboretum as you embark on a midday adventure through gardens and collections with your guide Warren Roberts, superintendent emeritus,” say the organizers. “Renowned for his captivating storytelling and playful puns, Warren leads participants on an always-engaging exploration of the Arboretum’s seasonal highlights.
“Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or simply eager to revel in the tranquility of nature, this experience promises to be both educational and delightful,” they add. “This event is open to all and free of charge, encouraging everyone to come together and embrace the wonders of nature within the Arboretum’s picturesque grounds.”
Although admission is free, parking is not. Arrive early to find a spot.
According to the Arboretum, hourly parking can be found along Garrod Drive near the Gazebo for $2.75 via AggiePark on the AMP Park app. Other spaces in nearby Visitor Parking Lot 55 allow all-day parking with purchase of a $17 daily parking permit via AggiePark. For questions, call (530) 752-4880.
Details and directions: https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/
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* In the flower garden, direct-seed sunflowers, cosmos, salvia, zinnias, marigolds, celosia and asters. (You also can transplant seedlings for many of the same flowers.)
* Plant dahlia tubers. Other perennials to set out include verbena, coreopsis, coneflower and astilbe.
* Transplant petunias, marigolds and perennial flowers such as astilbe, columbine, coneflowers, coreopsis, dahlias, rudbeckia and verbena.
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* For continued bloom, cut off spent flowers on roses as well as other flowering plants.
* Add mulch to the garden to maintain moisture. Mulch also cuts down on weeds. But don’t let it mound around the stems or trunks of trees or shrubs. Leave about a 6-inch to 1-foot circle to avoid crown rot or other problems.