Garden Mission: To promote water conservation in the California Central Valley landscape through excellent gardens, exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the public.
As the 4th quarter of 2025 ends and a new year begins, we once again count our blessings for the wonderful volunteers and supporters of the Clovis Botanical Garden. It has been an extremely exciting quarter with many garden improvement activities, as well as events for the community. The highlights are showcased in this newsletter. Enjoy reading!
Board Members for 2026 are as follows
- John Pape, President
- Anne Clemons, Vice President
- Andrea Reed, Treasurer
- Carole Bence, Secretary
- Rodger Pachelbel
- Perry Coy
- Leticia Ramirez
- Pat Wynne, Emeritas
Outgoing President’s Message – Anne Clemons
It has been an honor to serve the Clovis Botanical Garden as President. Helping the garden to expand from one acre to four and being able to construct the Pavilion and a Visitor Center were things only dreamed about 10 years ago. Now it is time for a fresh look at CBG’s needs and opportunities. We are fortunate that John Pape has accepted the position of CBG President. His long-time association with CBG consulting with CBG founder Gordon Russell, expertise with trees and contacts in the nursery industry and community are welcome. Many of you will remember his local PBS television program “The Art of Gardening.” Thank you for your past support and please extend the support to John as he carries the garden to meet those new needs and opportunities.
Message from New President, John Pape
I have been involved in Horticultural practices and businesses since 1971, including Tree Care, Wholesale and Retail Nursery management, Landscape installation and maintenance and plant health care. I have a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from Cal Poly Pomona 1977. I am a Registered Consulting Arborist, a Certified Arborist, a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor, and have, or had, licenses as Landscape Contractor, Tree Care Contractor, Agricultural and Structural pest control Operator/Applicator.
I moved to Tollhouse in the foothills of the Sierra in 1989, and in the early 90’s became involved with three different groups trying to establish a botanical garden in the Fresno/Clovis Metropolitan area. One, The Clovis Botanical Garden Committee, led by Gordon Russell, was the only one that got airborne. For several years I served on the board as V.P. or member at large until the Garden started working on the three additional acres bestowed by the City of Clovis. At some point around 2012, my own business and other non-profit and family commitments became too much, and I left all my non-profit positions to focus on family and my business, Providence Horticulture, Inc., which I sold to my Jr. Partners in 2023. I am still working part time as demand requires, doing Horticultural and Arboricultural Consulting, in my new business, Root & Bough Enterprises, Inc.
I started to become active in the Botanical Garden again when invited by Anne Clemons in 2019. Having had a chance to be on the board the last few years as we went through the final processes of funding and building the new Visitor’s Center has been a blessing. I am both excited and privileged to become President of the Board of Directors for the next term! It will be difficult to come near to Anne’s determination and effort. All the Board Members have worked very hard through all kinds of challenges to get the Botanical Garden to its present level of diversity and quality. They have plugged away, never giving up on the vision and charge of creating a garden which helps the local communities have a place they can go to see mature plants made up of species that will grow and can thrive in our particular Inland Valley Mediterranean climate, while avoiding water waste and intensive maintenance.
I look forward to working with the Garden’s AMAZING VOLUNTEERS, including Board Members, who sacrifice their time, constantly making positive changes to the community treasure that is the Clovis Botanical Garden. Thanks to all donors and members for the continuing support! We are creating something great together!
Volunteer Opportunities at Clovis Botanical Garden
Those interested in joining a dynamic team of volunteers at the Garden are encouraged to reach out today! Without volunteers, the Clovis Botanical Garden would not exist. We have jobs for everyone and flexible schedules too!
Gift Shop Greeter: ** Immediate needs for Friday and Saturday PM and both shifts on Sunday
Gift Shop Greeter Volunteer needs to have:
- People & cashier skills
- Responsible and Trustworthy
Gift Shop Greeter Volunteer responsibilities:
- Work in Visitor Center – AM or PM Shifts Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM or 12:30 to 4:00 PM
- Enjoy talking with people
- Cashier responsibilities
- Open or Close Garden
- Email for substitute coverage as needed
Garden Maintenance: Crews work on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings
Garden Maintenance Volunteer needs to have:
- Good physical health
- Enjoy working outdoors
- Able to work independently or with team
Garden Maintenance Volunteer responsibilities:
- 3-4 hours per week
- Work with a Team
- Accept direction from Supervisor
- Planting, weeding, raking
- Days/Hours
Event Volunteers – Many Opportunities within this Broad Category
Volunteer Coordinator needs to have:
- Office Work
- Computer skills
- Teambuilding skills
Volunteer Coordinator responsibilities:
- 3-4 Hours/Week – flexible schedule
- Data Entry – Update database & enter volunteer hours
- Monitor Volunteer Requests & meet with volunteers as needed
- Request and schedule volunteers for special events (E-mail)
Event Coordinator (Facility Reservation/Planner) needs to have:
- People/teambuilding skills
- Flexible time available
- Outreach
Event Coordinator Volunteer responsibilities:
- 2-3 hours per event, plus advance planning
- Monitor calendar
- Meet with clients and deal w/questions
- Be present during event after hours
- Close the garden
Event Planning Team Members
Event Planning Team Members’ responsibilities:
- Plan, coordinate, and organize events with Event Coordinator
- Participate in event if possible
Event Set-Up/Take-Down Team needs to have:
- Good Physical Condition
- Flexible hours
Event Set-Up/Take-Down Volunteer Team responsibilities:
- 2-3 hours per event
- Take care of pavilion, visitor center, patio, or event area: set-up and
take-down ( floor, tables, chairs, trash bins, etc.) - Flexible schedule depending upon event – may include evening hours
Education Coordinator (Adult Programs) needs to have:
- People/teambuilding skills
- Computer skills
- Outreach
Education Coordinator (Adult Programs) Volunteer responsibilities:
- 3-4 hours per event
- Identify presenters and schedule seminars on topics of interest to
water-wise gardeners
Event Volunteers – Many Opportunities within this Broad Category
Docents/Tour Guide Volunteer needs to have:
- Knowledge of water-wise plants, garden
- history, etc.
Docents/Tour Guide Volunteer responsibilities:
- 3-4 Hours/Week – flexible schedule
- Data Entry – Update database & enter volunteer hours
- Monitor Volunteer Requests & meet with volunteers as needed
- Request and schedule volunteers for special events (E-mail)
Event Volunteers – Many Opportunities within this Broad Category
- Historian
- Technical Support
- Security
- Social media/Marketing
- Custodial
In addition, we would like to add another member to the CBG Board. All interested are encouraged to apply! Contact: [email protected]
Fourth Quarter Activities
Volunteer Appreciation Social – October 21st
Each year the garden’s Board Members plan a social event for volunteers to express their sincere appreciation for all the demanding work done throughout the year to make the garden thrive. This year a delicious BBQ dinner was provided, and we were all able to celebrate in the new Visitor Center!
Congratulations to Aaron Aldrich who was honored as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year!
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony For The New Visitor Center – October 29th
October 29th was such an exciting day! Hundreds attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new Visitor Center – once a dream, now a reality! We are so grateful to Sharon Evert, who donated over a million dollars toward the project, as well as so many others. THANK YOU!
Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua, Mayor Pro Tem Diane Pearce, City Manager Andrew Haussler, and multiple City of Clovis Department Directors joined garden volunteers, supporters, community organization representatives, and construction craftsmen to celebrate! Clovis Botanical Garden is now the home of an architectural creation of renown Arthur Dyson, and everyone is inspired by its beautiful design.
The new Visitor Center houses a gift shop, as well as a large room for events that opens to a welcoming patio. The new facility will enable the garden to plan events throughout the year, regardless of the weather outside. We are excited to start planning for 2026. The facility is also available for the public to rent for special events, with more information on our website.
Scarecrow Garden – October 15th to November 16th
Scarecrows, who silently watched as construction continued on the Visitor Center and the surrounding grounds, delighted visitors of all ages. Visitors were able to take traditional fall photos, as well vote for their favorite scarecrow.
Congratulations to People’s Choice Winners:
- 1st Place: June Casaletta
- 2nd Place: Victoria Holbrook
- 3rd Place: Ree Coy
Thank you to all participants! We hope to have even more scarecrows next year when construction and landscaping throughout the garden is complete.
Science Saturday: “Get The Dirt On Soil” – November 15th
Dozens of children and their parents participated in a science workshop presented by Barbara Davidson. Parents watched with delight, as their young “soil scientists” were engaged in learning about the composition of soil. They all had an exciting time and left with an earthworm too! ** Sign up for the next Science Saturday on-line today! It will be on January 24, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, titled “The Secret of Succulent Superpowers!”
Home Depot Workcrews – December 12th
Home Depot has been a tremendous supporter of the Clovis Botanical Garden. In addition to donating the refrigerator, chairs, and tables for the new Visitor Center, they have provided decomposed aggregate for pathways and landscaping plants, as well as the needed equipment and installation crew! Thank You, Home Depot!
Intermountain Nursery – December 18th
Intermountain Nursery’s new owners volunteered to assist the garden in the development of the California Native and Ethnobotany areas of the garden. They will provide native plants used by Indigenous peoples and assist with both planting and maintenance. Further collaboration will be ongoing! Thank You, Intermountain Nursery!
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the New Visitor Center!
Volunteer Appreciation Social
Congratulations to Aaron Aldrich, 2025 Volunteer of the Year!
Science Saturday
Tips for the Central Valley Gardener
“Working With Variable Soil Types in the California’s Central Valley”
By Elinor Teague
The roots of many species of drought-tolerant plants, especially California natives and succulents, will rot if they remain wet for prolonged periods of time. Much of the soil here in the Central Valley is claybased, which means that it retains water too well. When clay soil dries out completely, it hardens so that water cannot penetrate the soil. There are also pockets of sandy soil here in the Valley: sandy soil drains too quickly. Amending the native soil before planting to promote good drainage for drought-tolerant plants is absolutely necessary.
The types of amendments needed to improve drainage differ for clay and sandy soils. Sand and gypsum can be added to clay soils to change the texture and separate clay soil molecules so that water flows more easily. Organic matter like compost or humas added to sandy soil will improve water retention.
The amounts of amendments needed in order to create optimal drainage is guess work. The best way to check the ‘percolation rate’ in your yard is to dig small test holes before and after adding amendments. Dig a hole 12 to 18 inches, fill the hole with water, and then time how long the water takes to drain. In sandier soil, the water will drain within less than a half hour; in heavier clay soils or dense, compacted soils, the water may take 24 hours to drain. In well or properly amended soils, drainage should take a few hours or less for clay soil and about a half hour for sandy soil.
Soil types and textures can vary within even a small yard. Hardpan, also common in the Central Valley, is a layer of hard-baked clay under the soil surface that completely blocks drainage. The depth and thickness of the hardpan can vary. In some housing developments, the original layer of topsoil may have been scraped off and then replaced with a thinner layer, leaving hardpan just under the soil surface. Break up the hardpan with augurs or pickaxes before attempting to plant. Dig planting holes only as deep as the plant container or the root ball, and three to five times as wide as the root ball.
Happy New Year!
Download Statement of Financial Position
Board Members
- John Pape, President
- Andrea Reed, Treasurer
- Perry Coy
- Leticia Ramirez
- Anne Clemons, Vice President
- Carole Bence, Secretary
- Rodger Pachelbel
- Pat Wynne, Emeritas
Advisory Committee
- Eric Aller
- Dwight Kroll
- Karin Chao Bushoven
- John Bushoven, Ph.D.
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