As spring comes into full bloom and the days grow longer, there’s no better time to explore the beauty and bounty of urban gardening. If you’ve ever strolled along Laurel Street in downtown San Carlos, you may have noticed a delightful burst of greenery tucked along the sidewalks—an inviting testament to what’s possible when a community embraces sustainable gardening in an urban space. Now, you have the perfect opportunity to take a closer look.
🌿 The Laurel Street Container Garden team will lead a tour of the gardens over two Wednesday mornings in May, 2025! 🌿
This guided tour, offered by the dedicated team behind the Laurel Street Container Garden, in collaboration with the UC Master Gardener Program of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties and the City of San Carlos, promises a unique experience for anyone curious about urban gardening, sustainability, or simply the joys of growing fresh produce and flowers in small spaces.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking for inspiration or a beginner hoping to start your own container garden, these tours offer a wonderful window into what’s possible with a bit of creativity, care, and collaboration.
The tours will offer participants a guided walk through the length of the container garden installations along Laurel Street. You’ll hear directly from UC Master Gardeners and volunteers who tend to the space, learning about the types of plants grown, seasonal strategies, container selection, and sustainable practices used to maintain the garden’s health and visual appeal.
You’ll also discover how the garden contributes to community enrichment, education, and even pollinator support. In particular, tour guides will share how these gardens demonstrate principles of water conservation, composting, integrated pest management, and choosing regionally appropriate plants for small-scale urban environments.
The tours will begin in front of Wells Fargo Bank at 632 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 94070. From this central location, participants will be led on a walk through the garden plots, with stops along the way to highlight specific themes and answer questions.
Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so the group can begin promptly at 9:30 AM. Each tour will run approximately two hours, concluding at 11:30 AM.
These enriching garden tours are being offered on two dates:
May 7, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Register here
May 14, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Register here
🌿 Each tour is limited to eight participants and registration is required. 🌿
Spots will fill up quickly, so we encourage anyone interested to sign up as soon as possible. Limiting the group size ensures a more personal and interactive experience, allowing plenty of time for questions, discussions, and one-on-one conversations with the gardening team.
Container gardening is a sustainable and versatile way to grow plants in areas where traditional in-ground gardening may not be possible. Whether you’re dealing with limited space, poor soil quality, or a desire for portability and control, container gardening offers endless possibilities.
The Laurel Street Container Garden demonstrates just how vibrant and productive these systems can be—even in a bustling downtown corridor. By using a variety of containers, ranging from repurposed materials to decorative pots, the team has transformed a public space into an educational garden that inspires residents and visitors alike.
The UC Master Gardener Program of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties is a volunteer-driven organization committed to extending research-based knowledge and best practices in home horticulture and sustainable gardening to the public. With rigorous training and a passion for community service, UC Master Gardeners play a vital role in projects like the Laurel Street Container Garden.
During the tours, you’ll have a chance to meet some of these passionate volunteers, learn about their journey into gardening, and gain insight into how the program supports community education throughout the Bay Area.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the strong partnership between the UC Master Gardener Program and the City of San Carlos, which has supported the project with enthusiasm and resources since its inception. Together, they’ve created more than just a garden—they’ve cultivated a space where learning, community, and environmental stewardship intersect.
The container garden stands as a living example of what communities can achieve when they invest in public green spaces, education, and sustainable practices. It’s a quiet revolution growing right along a busy street, and these tours are your chance to be a part of it.
Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in a living classroom right in the heart of San Carlos. Whether you’re looking to pick up a few tips for your patio garden or just want to spend a beautiful morning surrounded by plants and passionate people, this tour is for you.
🌿 The Laurel Street Container Garden team will lead a tour of the gardens over two Wednesday mornings in May, 2025! 🌿
Spots are limited—register today and get ready to be inspired.
See other interesting events in San Carlos. You may also check the main calendar for the dates of these, or to save them on your personal calendar.
Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are the co-owners of Vabrato, a luxury real estate brokerage serving the City of Good Living and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
With over 30 years of combined experience in the business and 95% of their clients coming in from referrals, Mark and Viv take great pride and joy in exceeding your expectations.
We’re never too busy for you or your referrals. If you know anyone who needs help in buying or selling a home in San Carlos, we’d love to chat with them!