Tree Care Websites

 www.treesaregood.com, www.communityforestry.org,  www.Nevadashadetrees.org 

2012 Workshops and Events. 

Save the date: June 2, 2012 Plant Sale, May Arboretum

Please check monthly for updates.  The Arboretum is located in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park (RSRP)

Become a Washoe County May Arboretum Horticulture Volunteer. FREE Training begins March 6 and ends April 3, 2012.

  You will learn, proper planting and pruning techniques, basics of botany, insects that feed on trees, shrubs and vines, plant diseases, weed control and identification, the history of the gardens, how to become a tour guide and much more. Classes will be offered during the day every, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.  Class fills quickly,call  775-785-4153 to reserve a place.

 Ranch House RSRP

Spring Equinox Walk - Tuesday, March 20, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

If you are an avid gardener and want to show off those gardening skills, join the May Arboretum, RAIL CITY GARDEN CENTER and NEWS TALK 780 KOH in their annual community clean up at the May Arboretum. May Arboretum Society volunteers, Arboretum volunteers and Arboretum staff will present programs beginning at 9:00 am on tree pruning and rose care. Come early for refreshments. RSVP by calling and leaving a message at 785-4153.  

Spring Sprinkler Tune-up - Sat., April 14, 8:30 am-10:30am

Join Wilbur May Arboretum's Horticulture Assistant, Phil Brazier in a two hour program on how to turn-on and tune-up your sprinkler system. Learn how to trouble shoot problems, make repairs and make certain your sprinklers will be working efficiently. 

 Ranch House, RSRP

Meet the Arboretum Staff and the May Arboretum Society volunteers in front of the Arboretum office for a 45 minute tree tour and walk presented by Bill Carlos, M.S., Horticulturist for the May Arboretum. Come and enjoy the beauty and shade of the trees during your lunchtime.  A tree will be planted immediately after the tour.  All guests are welcome.  The May Arboreutm Society volunteers will offer refreshments immeidatley after the tour. 

EVENING PARTY IN THE GARDEN & PRE PLANT SALE -  Friday, June 1, 2012  - Fund Raising Event. Details to Follow 

Annual Plant Sale - Saturday, June 2, 8:00 am - Noon
Native and ornamental plant sale hosted and sponsored by the MAY ARBORETUM SOCIETY volunteers. Come early to have the best choice. Learn about the plants from Society members. They sell tried and true plants and are priced right! This fundraiser benefits the May Arboretum. Only cash and local checks will be accepted.                                                        

 May Arboretum Nursery & Burke Garden, RSR Park

Join Bill Carlos, Washoe County Horticulturist in an hour long plant identification tour. Native and adaptive plants species will be discussed. Don't miss this hands-on experience. Bring a camera, paper and pencil for taking notes. Meet in front of the May Arboretum office located between the Ranch House and the Ranger Station. 

 Stay tuned for more 2012 Events. 

 2011 Arboretum Events Below  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Learn to Dye Silk Scarfs Using Natural Extracts from the Garden  - August 6, 2011 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Flowers and other materials growing in the garden make for wonderful natural dyes. Learn how to use these garden materials to create a unique silk scarf during a hands-on workshop offered by the Rancho San Rafael Botanical Society at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2011 in the Wilbur D. May Arboretum. Botanical Society member Marilynn Clark will demonstrate how to extract dyes from dead-headed flowers to color scarves. Clark is an expert on natural dyeing and has taught dye classes in both the United States and Canada. Class cost is $50, $40 for Rancho San Rafael Botanical Society members. There is also a $10 material fee. Proceeds from the workshops will benefit the May Arboretum. Meet at the park’s Visitor Center located right outside the Arboretum. To make your reservation please contact Kass Kirkham, President RSRBS at KSKreno@hotmail.com or call 775-785-4153, 775-826-7479.

Visitor Center, RSRP 

Basket Making - September 17, 2011 - 10:00 am - Noon

Join the Great Basin Basket makers in a two hour workshop on the secrets of making baskets.  They will demonstrate basic techniques and will build a 6 foot basket from tree trimmings from the May Arboretum.  Meet in front of the Arboretum office located between the Rangers office and Rancho House.

Arboretum Office, RSR Park

Learn to make beautiful garden containers - Hyper Tufa Pot Class  -         Sun. September 18, 2011. 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.

Please join May Arboretum Society Members, Linda Good and Nina Tappe for a 3 hour workshop on how to make beautiful garden containers that will last for years with this wonderful hypertufa technique. The term "hypertufa" refers to a type of artificial stone, and is a conglomerate of the words "tufa," a natural volcanic rock, and "hyper," a prefix meaning excessively or extremely; hypertufa are rock-like containers. We ask participants of the class to make two containers at the workshop, one to take home and one to donate back to the May Arboretum Society to sell next spring at the Annual Plant Sale in support of the May Arboertum. Register early as class size is limited to 10 students. Fees: $25.00 for Society Members, $35.00 non-members, plus a $10.00 supply fee will be charged. ALL proceeds benefit the May Arboretum.  Please call 784-4153 and leave a message or email  fordtraveler@gmail.com to register.

Arboretum Office - Lath House.

Arboretum Office, RSR Park

FAll Garden Tours  - Tours will be announced on the Arboretum home page as the fall season progresses.                

No need to travel miles to enjoy fall color. Come to the arboretum and enjoy brilliant fall hues of the arboretum and botanical gardens. Join Bill Carlos, Washoe County horticulturist or staff on a one hour tour of these magnificent gardens.

Arboretum Office, RSR Park 

Ginger Bread House Contest and Holiday Celebration - December 10, 2011,  Noon to 3:30 pm 

  May Museum RSRP