Northern California Chapter: September Open Gardens Event

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Save the Date! September 6th in the East Bay   Hello Palm Friends!   Please register for our next meeting which will be held on:    DATE: Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 12:00 - 4:00 pm   LOCATIONS: The Gardens of Dennis Turrin and Ben Rogers in Concord and Clayton      Please join the Northern California Chapter of the International Palm Society on an open garden tour of two private gardens in the East Bay spanning Concord and Clayton on Saturday September 6. This Society event will feature the Gardens of Dennis Turrin and Ben Rogers, last visited by the Society in 2016. Catch up with nearly a decade of growth or discover anew!    Both gardens feature many inter-species/inter-genus hybrids of the cocoide clan from the original collaborations between the late Dick Douglas and Patrix Schafer. The gardens featured are sources of pollen, and have been for years, for many of Patrix' hybridizations.    Patrix will be on hand to provide insights about the hybrids, the hybridization process and about the legacy of the Society’s founder Dick Douglas. Dick’s/Patrix' original collaborations are the parents of many of the cross species hybrids Patrick now offers (even thought they originally started with Chamaodorea) and are unique NorCal treats suited for Bay Area gardens. Patrix will be offering members a chance to acquire some of his very desirable hybrid creations at the meeting. If you would like to contact Patrix in advance to find out what he has on hand, and to secure your desired palms from him at the meeting, email Patrix at coolhybrids@yahoo.com.      And here we go with the September 6 particulars.     The Dennis Turrin Garden: Dennis' garden features mature Brahea elegans, Brahea decumbens, Brahia armata, Brahea Clara, Parajubaea sunkha, Parajubaea torallyi, Sabal uresana, and hybrids including an impressive Jubaea X Queen. Many of the palms are planted along a long driveway on which we will host a talk with Patrix about the hybrids and Dick Douglas’ lasting legacy. Stay for a few moments to pick up or select choice hybrids and other NorCal acclimated plants from Patrix!   The Rogers Garden: Ben Rogers’ garden current design and collection--besides a large Queen and a Canary Island Date Palm planted around 2006—has been a work of passion since 2013. When Ben moved in in the mid-2000’s the yard was essentially a blank slate. At that time large pepper trees scattered were around the yard and were the main feature. Needless to say, they were removed and a flourishing palm haven has matured.   Ben has an avid interest in hybrids, including many of Patrix' creations, and unique palms from other sources. These hybrids are strategically placed in colder parts of the yard to try and help build on an already favorable micro climate in the East Bay hills. Additionally, there are many, many experiments being conducted - including quite a few of the hardier Dypsis, with some having been in ground since the 2013 time frame.    Ben is also a huge fan of the Archontophoenix genus, as well as “Coco Queen” or “Super Parrot” hybrids. The garden features many other genus - Parajubaea, Beccariophoenix, Syagrus (besides Queens), Butia, Howea, and more. It has grown into a favorable temperate/subtropical microclimate that you will certainly envy. Interspersed amongst the palms are various cycads - which have been helpful in some areas of dry, poor, soil and a desire to cut back on irrigation. There is also a small greenhouse where Ben attempts to germinate seeds, and create the next generation of NorCal specialties. Ben reports there are over 300 palms and cycads planted - but we’ve lost count!   September 6 Agenda: 11:30-12:15 p.m.: Gather at Dennis’ garden to discover the palms and catch up with society members. The Society will provide snacks and beverages for you to enjoy.   12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.: Talk by Patrix about palm hybridization and the lasting legacy of Dick Douglas and Dick’s Walnut Creek garden. Lots of cool anecdotes and Patrix will open up his “Pop Up” for you to pick up reserved palms or purchase some of the selection that Patrix has brought with him.    1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Reconvene at the garden of Ben Rogers (a 5 minute drive from Dennis’ garden). Bring your potluck items to nourish Society members and mingle with Society stars.   2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.: Guided tour of the Rogers Garden led by Ben and Patrix.   3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Society meeting and the Society palm auction - this will take place in Ben’s garage/drivespace.   We think it’s going to be a great day to explore two incredible palm collections and thoughtfully planted gardens. Please join us!   Other meeting features will be a “Pop Up” hybrids plant station to acquire some of Patrick’s creative germinations, a pot luck, and of course the Auction!   Potluck: This is a potluck event. Once again, we will have a potluck posting for you to post your contributions. The society will provide beverages—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—feel free to bring what you enjoy the most.https://padlet.com/cvanhowe1/ncpspotluck   PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE EVENT TO RECEIVE IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION INCLUDING ADDRESS & PARKING INFO: REGISTER HERE Photo Collage of Ben Roger's Garden  Questions or want to sign up friends for the email list? Please email Caroline at: carocjaeger@gmail.com   Website Palm Society Announcements Lakeside Palmetum Membership Species List Please forward on to any palm friends.  You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every email.