Temescal Farm Gardens
4575 San Pablo Avenue (at the Armstrong Building), Emeryville
Years gardened at this location: 3.5 years
Lot size: 1,000 square feet (0.02 acre)
Directions: Take the Powell Street exit from I-80 and turn east, toward the hills. Continue about one mile to San Pablo Avenue and turn right. Continue about a half-mile; the building is on the right, the first driveway past 47th street, just before the Kentucky Fried Chicken. Look for the "Armstrong" sign on the roof.
Showcase feature: The landscaping around this "green" building contains more than 50 species of plants native to the Temescal Creek watershed. The garden, which surrounds a commercial building parking lot, shows how a business can provide habitat for wildlife and education for its customers. Josh Carmichael, of Carmichael Environmental, who designed and installed the garden along with Armstrong, will be available to answer questions.
Other garden attractions:
- This green building contains solar panels, high efficiency fluorescent lighting, recycled wool carpets, and non-toxic paints.
- Water from the parking lot drains into the garden beds.
- Kids' interactive green home building display will be available on the tours.
Gardening for Wildlife: Flowers bloom year-round and plants are allowed to go to seed before they are pruned in order to provide habitat and food for wildlife. Wildflowers, ferns, bulbs, berries, vines, trees, and shrubs attract birds, butterflies, ladybugs, and insects.
Garden Talks: 11:00 "Native Plant Designs: How to Install and Maintain any Size Garden Using California Native Plants. Easy to Follow Steps from Sheet Mulching to Water Conservation Techniques" by Joshua Carmichael
12:30 and 2:00 "Green Materials from Roofing to Painting: A Tour of Armstrong Paints' Green Building" by Mitch Fine of Armstrong Painting, Roofing, and Windows"
Plants Sold or Free: Native plants will be available for sale. VAsk Josh what plants will do well in your garden, or ask Mitch about green building materials.