The arboretum's next plant sale is scheduled for this weekend — and take note: This sale is the arboretum's first one ever to be held on a Sunday (Oct. 9).

The sale theme is Growing a Green Future, focusing on sustainable gardens. The inventory includes Arboretum All-Stars, and houseplants and exotics from the Botanical Conservatory.

The sale is open to the public and admission is free: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arboretum Teaching Nursery. Members of Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and the Davis Botanical Society receive a 10 percent discount. People are invited to join at the gate — to receive the discount and a free plant.

More at the arboretum

Science Café: Medicines from Nature — Drugs that Changed the World — With Professor Ted Molinski of UC San Diego's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. An informal talk in which Molinski nwill provide an overview of the development of medicines from plants and other natural sources, and discuss the historical impact of this research and several recent breakthroughs that have helped lead to cures for diseases. 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, Wyatt Deck. Followed by a reception with light refreshments and the opportunity to chat with the professor. Co-sponsored by Jared Shaw, assistant professor, UC Davis Department of Chemistry.

Folk Music Jam Sessions — Pull out your fiddles, guitars, mandolins, penny whistles, pipes, flutes, squeezeboxes — you name it! — and join your fellow musicians during the lunch hour for a little bluegrass, old-time, blues, Celtic, klezmer and other world music. All skill levels welcome. Listeners, too! Noon Friday, Oct. 14 and 28, Wyatt Deck.

Knowing Our Native Plants — About the diversity, adaptability and beauty of California native plants. 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, Wyatt Deck.

Halloween Walk with the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble — 8 p.m. Wednesday-Monday, Oct. 26-31, Shields Oak Grove (across from the gazebo). See separate story.

All programs are open to the public, and all are free except the Halloween Walk. More information: (530) 752-4880 or arboretum.ucdavis.edu (for directions, click on “Plan Your Visit”). 

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