Visit local gardens in the new year

I agree with The Bee’s Entertainment Editor Kathy Mahan that there is so much to do in the Fresno area!

I happily read her Jan. 3 article listing 52 exciting activities; actually there were more, as some numbers listed several items.

There was a definite omission! The Underground Gardens was the only public garden listed. Other gardens that should have made the list somewhere include: Garden of the Sun, sponsored by the University of California Master Gardeners; Deutsch Cactus Garden with its great variety of cacti; Shinzen Friendship Garden in Woodward Park, with its world-class bonzai collection; and the Clovis Botanical Garden, featuring climate-appropriate, water-wise plants of California and similar world climates.

Three of the four local gardens have free admission. All are lovingly supported and maintained by local volunteers.

Thinking of changing your garden by removing your lawns and planting less thirsty plants? Then Clovis Botanical Garden at 945 N. Clovis Ave. is the place to visit to view a wide variety of climate appropriate trees, bushes, shrubs, perennials and annuals. The Sensational 70 Plant List will guide you as you tour the garden to select your favorites. Hours are Wednesdays-Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 8:24 AM with the headline "Visit local gardens in the new year."