Yard & Garden Resources

Compost Workshops

"Dr. Compost" (aka Eric Werbalowsky) returns to educate Thousand Oaks about composting at the 2012 Arbor Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 28th at Conejo Creek Park North (located behind the Thousand Oaks Library).  Workshops are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  Arbor Earth Day offers a day full of environmental fun for the entire family - click here for more information.

You can also watch Eric in a previously recorded Introduction to Composting workshop on-line through TOTV. In this 40 minute video titled "Breaking it Down With Doctor Compost", Eric Werbalowsky provides an entertaining overview of backyard composting basics, giving viewers the knowledge they need to begin composting on their own. Click here to watch the video now. DVD copies of this presentation are available for free check-out from the Thousand Oaks Grant R. Brimhall Library and the Newbury Park Library.

Free Mulch

The Public Works Department's Landscape Division provides free mulch on an ongoing basis to City residents. When available, chipped wood trimmings from City landscape projects are deposited in an enclosure located in the parking lot median between the Thousand Oaks Library and the Goebel Senior Center at 1385 East Janss Road. Bring your own shovels and bags and help yourself.

Free mulch is also available from Lister Rents, located at the corner of Skyline Drive and Hillcrest Drive. (Please Note: This program has been temporarily suspended during construction.) Call Lister Rents at (805) 497-8541 for details.

Ventura County Master Gardeners Sustainable Gardening Workshops

Each year the Ventura County Master Gardeners offer a series of free gardening workshops to the Goebel Center in Thousand Oaks (1385 East Janss Road).  Topics cover a wide variety of topics and incorporate environmentally friendly gardening practices.  All workshops are held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

Workshops are FREE, however advance registration is required.


All About Roses - Saturday, June 23, 2012

Master Gardener Tony Hepton will share his considerable knowledge of rose culture.  Learn how to plant, prune and understand conditions under which these beautiful plants thrive.
Click here for more information and to register online.


Orchids 101 - Saturday, July 28, 2012

How difficult is it to grow beautiful orchids?  Master Gardener Jim Kindig leads you through the process of growing and propagating orchids.
Click here for more information and to register online.


Sustainable Landscaping - Saturday, August 25, 2012

Learn about sustainable landscaping solutions you can apply to your home garden.  Master Gardener Dani Brusius will walk you through gardening practices that are good for the environment.
Click here for more information and to register online.


Wildlife, Birds and Butterfly Gardens - Saturday, September 22, 2012

Want to attract more wildlife to your garden?  Master Gardener Carol Seaman offers her knowledge of plants and gardening practices that encourage butterflies and birds to visit your garden.
Click here for more information and to register online.


For more information about the Ventura County Master Gardeners, visit the Master Gardener Website at www.ucanr.org/sites/VCMG.

Got gardening questions?  Call the Master Gardener Helpline!  (805) 645-1455.


Las Flores Community Garden

The Las Flores Community Garden offers rental plots to Thousand Oaks residents who would like to organically grow their own vegetables, fruit and flowers. Tools and water are provided. Occasional workshops and meetings are held to share information and fresh produce!

The garden is managed by a non-profit volunteer board, in cooperation with the Conejo Recreation and Parks District. For more information visit http://www.lasfloresgarden.com/.