Upcoming Events

Want to grow juicy, flavorful tomatoes right in your own garden? Join us for a free class where you'll learn how to choose the best tomato varieties for your space, when and how to plant them, and tips for nurturing strong, healthy plants. We’ll cover essential techniques like pinching to boost fruit production, preventing blossom end rot, and managing common pests and diseases. Whether you're a first-time grower or a seasoned tomato enthusiast, you'll walk away with expert knowledge to enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Want more life in your garden? Learn how to attract pollinators, birds, and beneficial bugs with plants that feed and shelter them—all while keeping your garden blooming and thriving.

Get ready for practical advice on growing Cannabis in your garden! Whether you call it hemp or marijuana, enjoy THC and/or CBD, it is easy to grow in your backyard. Join our experts, Penny Barthel (author; The Cannabis Gardener) and Emily Gogol, PhD. (Grow It From Home) for this free hour-long workshop. Penny and Emily look forward to answering your questions; if you are canna-curious, this workshop is for you!

Did you know folks across the U.S. are already growing Cannabis at home? Whether you call it hemp or marijuana, enjoy THC and/or CBD, it is easy to grow in your backyard. Emily Gogol PhD. and Penny Barthel are bringing their popular workshops (featured in the LA Times) to SummerWinds Nursery to provide you with practical advice and resources for growing at home. Throughout the lecture they will share a variety of ‘show and tell’ items to demonstrate how to successfully grow at home.

Workshop Overview

• Emily Gogol PhD. & Penny Barthel will help you learn how easy it is to grow this versatile plant
• Instructions on how to get started from seed or with plants or clones
• Step by Step instructions for growing on patio in a container or in the ground

This workshop is well suited for beginners – no previous experience is necessary. Cannabis seeds for CBD and THC will be on hand for purchase, and you can get a signed copy of Penny’s book, The Cannabis Gardener.

About Our Guest Speakers

Emily Gogol, Ph.D.

Emily Gogol is a nationally recognized leader in the Cannabis industry, heading the team at Infinite Tree, which develops and produces new Cannabis varieties. Passionate about innovation, she works to develop the next generation of plants that benefit both commercial farmers and home gardeners.

In 2020, she launched Grow It From Home, a company dedicated to providing Cannabis plants to backyard gardeners across the U.S. while promoting education, access, and equity. Her work has been featured in the LA Times.

Emily earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from UCSF and was deeply involved in community work in San Francisco. Recognized by the State of California for her leadership, she has founded three community organizations and two public parks. She currently lives in Applegate Valley, OR, where she manages her 23-acre certified organic farm and finds time to garden whenever possible.

Penny Barthel

Penny Barthel is an author, educator, gardener, and recipe developer who believes that Cannabis belongs in the garden. Her expertise in cannabis horticulture has earned her a growing following on Instagram (@smallgardencannabis) and through cannabis education events at Wondering About Weed (@wonderingaboutweed).

Penny’s passion for gardening and education stems from her formal training and personal experience. She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, cat, and as many plants as possible. 

Lush and Lovely Shade Gardens

Have a shady yard or garden corner that feels dull or underwhelming? Let’s change that! Join us for a refreshing class all about shade-loving flowers that bring color, texture, and life to low-light areas.

In this class, you'll learn:
• How to identify different types of shade (partial, dappled, deep)
• The best flowering plants for each type, like begonias, impatiens & hydrangeas
• Design tips for planting under trees, beside fences, or near buildings
• How to keep shade plants healthy, happy, and blooming

Whether you’re working with a shady patio, tree-covered yard, or north-facing garden, you’ll leave with the knowledge and inspiration to create a vibrant, thriving space.

Don’t let shade stop your garden from shining—discover the beauty of low-light blooms!

Did you know that there are 1600 species of bee native to California, and over 20,000 species worldwide? Or that many species of bee are solitary, rather than social, making them unable to process toxins and insecticides out of the pollen and nectar that they collect? Bees are responsible for pollinating a third of the world’s food crops and can be diverse and abundant even in urban settings – in this FREE Class, come learn from our very own bee expert, Ken who will share his knowledge of bees, why they matter, and what we can do to create safe and appealing spaces for them in our own backyards!

Low Water Garden - Made Easy!

Creating a beautiful garden and conserving water? Yes, it’s possible! Join us for an inspiring class on how to design and grow a stunning, low-water landscape—perfect for our California climate.

In this class, you’ll learn:
• How to choose the right drought-tolerant plants
• Smart planting and watering techniques
• What “establishment period” really means and why it matters
• Tips to maintain beauty with less water for the long haul

Whether you’re starting fresh or revamping an existing space, we’ll walk you through the best practices to help your garden thrive sustainably. Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek at the gorgeous selection of low-water plants we carry.

Come discover how small changes now can lead to big water savings—and long-term garden success!

Join us for an exciting class on creating stunning container gardens tailored specifically for the Bay Area's unique climate and lighting conditions. Whether you have a shaded balcony or a sunny patio, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to create thriving container gardens that will enhance your outdoor spaces.

In this class, our experienced horticulturists will guide you through the process of selecting and combining plants that excel this summer, ensuring that you have a successful and visually appealing container garden. We will focus on plant varieties that are well-suited to the Bay Area's climate.

During the class, you will learn how to select the right container and material, choosing appropriate potting soil, and implementing proper watering and drainage techniques.

You will also gain insights into plant characteristics, growth habits, and maintenance requirements.

By the end of the class, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge on plant selection, container gardening techniques, and design principles specific to shade or sun environments. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this class will inspire you to transform your outdoor spaces with beautiful, thriving container gardens that will bring joy throughout the seasons.

Join us for a special class with guest speaker Suzanne Bontempo, founder of Plant Harmony and expert in sustainable gardening. With over 25 years of experience, Suzanne will guide you through simple, science-based strategies to manage pests without harmful chemicals—while protecting beneficial insects, pollinators, and our environment. Learn how to invite nature’s best allies into your garden, identify what’s truly a pest, and take action that nurtures a healthy, resilient ecosystem. Whether you're a new or seasoned gardener, this free class will inspire a fresh, effective approach to pest control.

Step into the wild and wonderful world of carnivorous plants! Join us for a fun, informative class where you'll explore these fascinating bug-catching wonders—from Venus Flytraps and Sundews to Pitcher Plants and more.

Our knowledgeable team will share:
• How carnivorous plants lure and digest their prey
• Which insects they actually consume
• The differences between the varieties we carry
• Simple care tips to help them thrive in your home or garden

Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned collector, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for these strange and stunning plants. Come learn, ask questions, and get inspired to grow your own little predator!

Lush and Lovely Shade Gardens

Have a shady yard or garden corner that feels dull or underwhelming? Let’s change that! Join us for a refreshing class all about shade-loving flowers that bring color, texture, and life to low-light areas.

In this class, you'll learn:
• How to identify different types of shade (partial, dappled, deep)
• The best flowering plants for each type, like begonias, impatiens & hydrangeas
• Design tips for planting under trees, beside fences, or near buildings
• How to keep shade plants healthy, happy, and blooming

Whether you’re working with a shady patio, tree-covered yard, or north-facing garden, you’ll leave with the knowledge and inspiration to create a vibrant, thriving space.

Don’t let shade stop your garden from shining—discover the beauty of low-light blooms!

Join one of our own garden experts, Steve, for a buzzing good time as he shares how to create a haven for native bees and honeybees alike. Learn which plants provide the best nectar and pollen, how to offer shelter and water, and what to avoid to keep pollinators safe. Whether you're working with a small space or a sprawling garden, you’ll leave with practical tips to support these vital pollinators—and enjoy more blooms and better harvests in return!

Want to grow juicy, flavorful tomatoes right in your own garden? Join us for a free class where you'll learn how to choose the best tomato varieties for your space, when and how to plant them, and tips for nurturing strong, healthy plants. We’ll cover essential techniques like pinching to boost fruit production, preventing blossom end rot, and managing common pests and diseases. Whether you're a first-time grower or a seasoned tomato enthusiast, you'll walk away with expert knowledge to enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Lush and Lovely Shade Gardens

Have a shady yard or garden corner that feels dull or underwhelming? Let’s change that! Join us for a refreshing class all about shade-loving flowers that bring color, texture, and life to low-light areas.

In this class, Dorothy from SummerWinds will share:
• How to identify different types of shade (partial, dappled, deep)
• The best flowering plants for each type, like begonias, impatiens & hydrangeas
• Design tips for planting under trees, beside fences, or near buildings
• How to keep shade plants healthy, happy, and blooming

Whether you’re working with a shady patio, tree-covered yard, or north-facing garden, you’ll leave with the knowledge and inspiration to create a vibrant, thriving space.

Don’t let shade stop your garden from shining—discover the beauty of low-light blooms!

Dig Into Healthy Soil: Secrets to Growing Success

The secret to thriving plants? It all starts with the soil.

Join two of our most knowledgeable garden experts, Steve and Leo, for an in-depth, down-to-earth class on how to understand and improve your Bay Area soil. Whether you’re growing citrus, fruit trees, veggies, perennials, or shrubs, healthy soil is the foundation for success.

In this class, you’ll learn:
• What makes soil healthy (and how to test yours)
• Common soil challenges in Marin County and how to fix them
• How to amend and enrich your soil naturally
• The best practices for building long-term soil fertility

From backyard beds to container gardens, Steve and Leo will share practical tips and expert advice to help you create the ideal growing environment for your plants.

Come with questions—and leave with the confidence to transform your soil into a thriving, living system!

Want to grow juicy, flavorful tomatoes right in your own garden? Join us for a free class where you'll learn how to choose the best tomato varieties for your space, when and how to plant them, and tips for nurturing strong, healthy plants. We’ll cover essential techniques like pinching to boost fruit production, preventing blossom end rot, and managing common pests and diseases. Whether you're a first-time grower or a seasoned tomato enthusiast, you'll walk away with expert knowledge to enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Want more life in your garden? Learn how to attract pollinators, birds, and beneficial bugs with plants that feed and shelter them—all while keeping your garden blooming and thriving.

Get ready for practical advice on growing Cannabis in your garden! Whether you call it hemp or marijuana, enjoy THC and/or CBD, it is easy to grow in your backyard. Join our experts, Penny Barthel (author; The Cannabis Gardener) and Emily Gogol, PhD. (Grow It From Home) for this free hour-long workshop. Penny and Emily look forward to answering your questions; if you are canna-curious, this workshop is for you!

Did you know folks across the U.S. are already growing Cannabis at home? Whether you call it hemp or marijuana, enjoy THC and/or CBD, it is easy to grow in your backyard. Emily Gogol PhD. and Penny Barthel are bringing their popular workshops (featured in the LA Times) to SummerWinds Nursery to provide you with practical advice and resources for growing at home. Throughout the lecture they will share a variety of ‘show and tell’ items to demonstrate how to successfully grow at home.

Workshop Overview

• Emily Gogol PhD. & Penny Barthel will help you learn how easy it is to grow this versatile plant
• Instructions on how to get started from seed or with plants or clones
• Step by Step instructions for growing on patio in a container or in the ground

This workshop is well suited for beginners – no previous experience is necessary. Cannabis seeds for CBD and THC will be on hand for purchase, and you can get a signed copy of Penny’s book, The Cannabis Gardener.

About Our Guest Speakers

Emily Gogol, Ph.D.

Emily Gogol is a nationally recognized leader in the Cannabis industry, heading the team at Infinite Tree, which develops and produces new Cannabis varieties. Passionate about innovation, she works to develop the next generation of plants that benefit both commercial farmers and home gardeners.

In 2020, she launched Grow It From Home, a company dedicated to providing Cannabis plants to backyard gardeners across the U.S. while promoting education, access, and equity. Her work has been featured in the LA Times.

Emily earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from UCSF and was deeply involved in community work in San Francisco. Recognized by the State of California for her leadership, she has founded three community organizations and two public parks. She currently lives in Applegate Valley, OR, where she manages her 23-acre certified organic farm and finds time to garden whenever possible.

Penny Barthel

Penny Barthel is an author, educator, gardener, and recipe developer who believes that Cannabis belongs in the garden. Her expertise in cannabis horticulture has earned her a growing following on Instagram (@smallgardencannabis) and through cannabis education events at Wondering About Weed (@wonderingaboutweed).

Penny’s passion for gardening and education stems from her formal training and personal experience. She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, cat, and as many plants as possible. 

Lush and Lovely Shade Gardens

Have a shady yard or garden corner that feels dull or underwhelming? Let’s change that! Join us for a refreshing class all about shade-loving flowers that bring color, texture, and life to low-light areas.

In this class, you’ll learn:
• How to identify different types of shade (partial, dappled, deep)
• The best flowering plants for each type, like begonias, impatiens & hydrangeas
• Design tips for planting under trees, beside fences, or near buildings
• How to keep shade plants healthy, happy, and blooming

Whether you’re working with a shady patio, tree-covered yard, or north-facing garden, you’ll leave with the knowledge and inspiration to create a vibrant, thriving space.

Don’t let shade stop your garden from shining—discover the beauty of low-light blooms!