Event organizers noted that white sage smudging is a sacred Indigenous practice used for prayer and spiritual cleansing.
Community members are invited to celebrate the start of summer with a guided tour of the Shotgun House Native Plant Garden on Sunday, June 28, featuring discussions on California native plants, coastal ecology and sustainable gardening practices.
The Summer Garden Tour will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Shotgun House, located at 2520 Second St. in Santa Monica. The event will be led by gardener and poet Hilda Weiss, with a hands-on workshop presented by Mya Gates.
Weiss will guide visitors through the garden during the first half of the program, focusing on the selection, care and ecological benefits of native California plants. The tour will also explore the garden’s connection to the historic Shotgun House and encourage participants to reflect on their own relationships with the place and the natural environment.
The event coincides with the period following the Summer Solstice and is designed to highlight the role native plants play in supporting healthy neighborhoods and local ecosystems.
Following a brief intermission, participants will gather inside the Shotgun House for an interactive workshop led by Gates on creating bundles with Cleveland sage, a native California plant known for its aromatic qualities. Organizers said Cleveland sage can be used for aromatherapy, air purification, cleansing and natural pest control.
Event organizers noted that white sage smudging is a sacred Indigenous practice used for prayer and spiritual cleansing. The workshop will instead focus on Cleveland sage as a respectful alternative for smoke-cleansing practices.
Admission is free for members and $15 for the general public. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.
