Cooking

Amy Malone School of Cake Decorating, May 15: “Icing Flowers Workshop” is presented. 10-1 p.m. $40. 4212 Camino Alegre, La Mesa. 619/660-1900. www.amymalone.com.

San Diego Botanic Garden, May 15: “Cooking Classes with the Opera Singing Chef — Slow Foods” is presented. 1:30-4. 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. 760/436-3036, ext. 206. www.sdbgarden.org.

Cookbook Collectors Club, May 24: Promote interest in old cookbooks while learning all about them. 2 p.m. First meeting free. Cook Books and Paperbacks Store, 4108 Adams Ave., Kensington. 619/284-8224.
Great News Cooking School, all month: “Napa Valley Cooking” (May 6), “Savory French Cooking” (May 10), “BBQ Rubs, Sauces and Marinades” (May 23) and more. Times/prices vary. 1788 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. 888/478-2433. www.great-news.com.

Kitchen Witch Gourmet Shop & Cooking School, all month: “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta” (May 5), “Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch” (May 8), “Outdoor BBQ” (May 14), “Sangria and Paella Party (May 19) and more. Times/prices vary. 127 N. El Camino Real, Suite D, Encinitas. 760/942-3228. www.kitchenwitchonline.com.

Big City Chefs, ongoing: In-home cooking classes and demonstrations around San Diego County with executive level chefs. Call toll free 866/321-CHEF for prices and available dates. www.bigcitychefs.com.

The Pampered Chef, ongoing: Discover the chef in you or enjoy in-home cooking classes with Annette Robino. 858/452-7097 (evening) or 619/972-8130 (day). www.pamperedchef.biz/annetterobino.

Unforgettable Desserts, ongoing: Individual and group pastry classes for all skill levels with hands-on experience from premier pastry artist, Chef Michel Morlas. Meet the chef direct at Farmer’s Market (Sat. 9-1:30. Little Italy and Sun. 9-2. Hillcrest). Call for information. Loma Portal Gallery kitchen, near Sports Arena. 619/224-CAKE. www.sandiegocake.com.

Gardens

The Olivenhain Grove Sale, Apr. 30-May 1: Stroll through a lemon grove nestled in a private estate and discover architectural and home elements, art, jewelry, clothing, garden finds and more offered by the finest vendors at this two-day event. 10-4. 3534 Dove Hollow Road, Olivenhain. 760/533-2825. www.casualloveselegance.blogspot.com.

ASLA Garden Tour, May 1: The San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects presents “A Landscape in Transition,” a docent-led garden tour. Buses take attendees to residential gardens and public projects designed by ASLA members. 1-5:30. $45. 619/225-8155. www.asla-sandiego.org.

La Jolla Garden Club’s Annual Gardeners’ Market, May 8: Find the perfect gift for Mom. Select from blooming plants, floral arrangements, decoratively wrapped gardening packages, LJGC aprons, note cards and baked goodies. Proceeds support local horticultural scholarships. 9-2. Chase Bank patio, 7777 Girard Ave., La Jolla. 858/450-1769.

Mother’s Day Weekend Artist Studio and Garden Tour, May 8-9: The San Dieguito Art Guild features eight Guild members’ homes, gardens and art studios on this self-guided tour. A portion of proceeds donated to local schools’ art departments. 10-4. $20/tickets available at www.offtrackgallery.com or at Off Track

Gallery, Lumberyard Shopping Center, Encinitas at 8:30 a.m. 760/942-3636.
Southern California Plumeria Society, May 9: Everyone is welcome to our monthly meeting. 1-3 p.m. Free. War Memorial Building, 3325 Zoo Dr., Balboa Park. 619/461-5942. www.socalplumeriasociety.com.  

San Diego Horticultural Society, May 10: A special evening with Brad Lancaster “Rainwater Harvesting: Turning Drains into Sponges, and Water Scarcity into Abundance.” 6-9 p.m. $5, free/members. Surfside Race Place, Del Mar Fairgrounds. 760/295-7089. www.sdhortsoc.org.

Fallbrook Garden Club Annual Garden Tour, May 22: Tour seven gardens, see vintage automobiles and talented artisans, plus plants and garden items for sale. Proceeds benefit the Fallbrook Garden Club Scholarship Fund and other community projects. 9-3. $20/single ticket, $35/two tickets. Fallbrook Historical Society, 260 Rockycrest Road, Fallbrook. 760/468-5842.

Palomar Cactus & Succulent Society, May 22: Visitors are welcome to the monthly meeting that includes a guest speaker, plant sale and refreshments. 12 p.m. Joslyn Senior Center, 724 N. Broadway, Escondido. 760/753-3651.

San Diego Botanical Garden Foundation, all month: A variety of garden clubs hold shows and sales including San Diego Iris Society Show (May 1-2), San Diego Epiphyllum Society (May 8/Sale/Patio B and May 9/Show), San Diego Geranium Society Show (May 15-16), San Diego Bromeliad Study Group Show (May 22-23) and Exotic Plant Society Show (May 29-30). Sat. 12-4, Sun. 10-4. Casa del Prado, Room 101, Balboa Park. 619/232-8232. www.sdbgf.org.

Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla, May 15: Six exquisite gardens enhanced by performances by local musicians, displays by local designers and La Jolla artists creating paintings. Proceeds provide vital funding for the La Jolla Historical Society. 10-4. $50, $40/LJHS members. Platinum tour including one extra garden and a private brunch at Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa $150, $140/LJHS members. Locations vary, La Jolla. 858/459-5335. www.lajollahistory.org.

Summers Past Farms, all month: Fairy Garden Talk by Sheryl (May 1), Wine Tasting and Food hosted by Kiwanis Club of Alpine (May 2), Mother’s Day Music and Dessert in the Garden (May 9), “Fairy Landscape” (May 15) and “Herbal Hand Salve and Lip Balm” (May 22). Times/prices vary. 15602 Olde Highway 80, Flinn Springs. 619/390-1523. www.summerspastfarms.com.

The Flower Fields, through May 9: One of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty with nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers. Special events include Spring Rose Show (May 1), Bonsai Show and Sale (May 8-9) and Mother’s Day Celebration (May 9). Daily 9-6. $10/adults, $9/seniors, $5/ages 3-10, free/ages under 3. Season passes available. 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. 760/431-0352. www.theflowerfields.com.

Balboa Park Botanical Building, ongoing: One of the largest lath structures in the world housing more than 2,100 permanent plants featuring collections of cycads, ferns, orchids, other tropical plants, palms and seasonal flower displays. Fri.-Wed. 10-4. Free. Balboa Park. 619/239-0512. www.balboapark.org.

Buena Creek Gardens, ongoing: Four-acre retail nursery and display garden featuring new and uncommon flowering perennials, shrubs, daylilies, vines and drought-tolerant plants. Hours vary. 418 Buena Creek Road, San Marcos. 760/744-2810. www.buenacreekgardens.com.

Chekwaa Gardens at Barona Resort and Casino, ongoing: Wander through the beautiful landscape including the Rose Garden, Chef’s Garden, Water Garden, Nursery and more. Guided group tours upon request. Daily 10-3. 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside. 619/443-2300. www.baronacasino.com.

Japanese Friendship Garden, ongoing: View the koi pond, bonsai area, exhibit house, sand and zen garden or sign up for a class. Tue.-Sun. 10-4. $4/adults, $2.50/seniors/military/students, free/ages under 7. Next to Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. 619/232-2721. www.niwa.org.

San Diego Botanic Garden, ongoing: Thirty-five acres of exhibits including desert gardens, a tropical rainforest, California native plants, an herb garden, Hamilton Children’s Garden and more. Special events include “Best Friends Tea Party” (May 23. 2 p.m. $20-$30). Daily 9-5. $12/general, $8/seniors/students/active military, $6/ages 3-12, free/ages under 3/members. 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. 760/436-3036. www.sdbgarden.org.

San Diego Floral Association Library, ongoing: The public is invited to visit the extensive library and make use of the information available. Mon.-Fri. 10-3. Casa del Prado, Room 105, Balboa Park. 619/232-5762. www.sdfloral.org.

Museums

Automotive Museum: View “Economy of Motion” featuring cars engineered for fuel economy — 50 or more years ago (through May 23). Daily 10-5. $8/adults, $6/seniors/military, $5/students, $4/ages 6-15 and free/ages under 6/fourth Tue. monthly. 2080 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park. 619/231-2886. www.sdautomuseum.org.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps: View a stunning variety of colorful, Pacific marine life featured in more than 60 habitats, interact with hands-on exhibits or attend a fun, informative class. Daily 9-5. $12/adults, $9/seniors, $8.50/ages 3-17, free/ages under 3. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. 858/534-FISH. www.aquarium.ucsd.edu.

California Center for the Arts Museum: “Chimerica Dreality - Seth Augustine” (Feb. 13-July 4). Tue.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-5. $5/adults, $4/seniors/military, $3/students, free/ages under 12. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. 760/839-4120. www.artcenter.org.

Centro Cultural de la Raza: Creates, preserves, promotes and educates about Chicano, Mexicano, Indigenous and Latino art and culture in performances and exhibits. Tue.-Sun. 12-4. Prices vary. 2125 Park Blvd., Balboa Park. 619/235-6135. www.centroculturaldelaraza.org.

Coronado Museum of History & Art: “Coronado: We Remember” (through mid May) combines stories, historical vignettes of artifacts, photographs, textiles and documents from the Archives of the Coronado Historical Association. Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat.-Sun. 10-5. Suggested donation $4/adults, $3/seniors/active-duty military, $2/ages 9-18. 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado. 619/435-7242. www.coronadohistory.org.

Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society Museum and Gift Shop: Promotes the study and appreciation of mineralogy, paleontology and related earth sciences and the arts. Thur.-Sat. 11-3. Free. 123 W. Alvarado St., Fallbrook. 760/728-1130. www.fgms.org.
Fallbrook Historical Museum: Dedicated to collecting, preserving and displaying the history and artifacts of the Fallbrook area. Thur. and Sun. 1-4. Free. South Hill St. at Rocky Crest Road, Fallbrook. 760/723-4125. www.fallbrookhistoricalsociety.com.

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum: Outdoor display of 25 vintage aircraft and an indoor display of memorabilia and artifacts dating to the earliest days of Marine Corps Aviation. Tue.-Sun. 9-3:30. Free. MCAS Miramar, off Miramar Road, Mira Mesa. 858/693-1723. www.flyingleathernecks.org.

Guy B. Woodward Museum: Historic western culture including the Verlaque House, antique exhibits and special artifacts. Thur.-Sun. 1-4. $4/adults, $1/ages under 12. Special tours by appointment $5/person. 645 Main St., Ramona. 760/789-7644. www.woodwardmuseum.org.

Heritage of the Americas Museum: An educational and cultural center featuring the prehistoric and historic art, culture and natural history of the Americas. Tue.-Fri. 10-4, Sat. 12-4. $3/adults, $2/seniors, free/ages under 17 with adult. Cuyamaca College, 12110 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, El Cajon. 619/670-5194. www.cuyamaca.edu/museum.

Lux Art Institute: Visitors view art and see art happen — live and in real-time being created by real-world artists from around the globe featuring the work of artist Robert Lobe (through May 22). Thur.-Fri. 1-5, Sat. 11-5. $10/two visits, free/ages under 21. 1550 South El Camino Real, Encinitas. 760/436-6611. www.luxartinstitute.org.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum: Boasts one of the most extensive and comprehensive displays of Marine Corps historical items in the Nation. Photo ID required, but military ID not necessary. Mon.-Sat. 8-4, Thur. until 4:30. Free. 1600 Henderson Ave., Day Hall, Building 26, Old Town. 619/524-8431. www.mcrdmuseumhistoricalsociety.org.

Maritime Museum: One of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship Star of India. Daily 9-8. $14/adults, $11/seniors/active military, $8/ages 6-17, free/ages under 6. 1492 N. Harbor Dr., downtown. 619/234-9153. www.sdmaritime.org.

Marston House Museum and Gardens: Designed and built by internationally renowned architects William Sterling Hebbard and Irving Gill furnished in the Arts and Crafts style surrounded by five acres of rolling lawns, manicured formal gardens and rustic canyon gardens. Fri.-Sun. 10-5. $8/adults, $6/seniors, $4/ages 6-12, free/ages under 6. 3525 Seventh Ave., Balboa Park. 619/297-9327. www.sohosandiego.org.

Mingei International Museum: Reveals the beauty of use in folk art, craft and design from all eras and cultures of the world featuring “¡Viva México! – Heroes and Artisans” (through Jan. 2, 2011), “Fisch Out of Water – Sea Creatures of Arline Fisch” (through May 16) and more. Tue.-Sun. 10-4. $7/adults, $5/seniors, $4/active military/ages 6-17, half-price/Sat.-Sun. 10-12 (through May 31), free/ages under 6. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619/239-0003. www.mingei.org.

Mingei International Museum: Dynamic, changing exhibitions of folk art, craft and design featuring “Rite and Ritual – Ceremonial Art Across Cultures” (through Oct. 16). Thur.-Sat. 11-4. $3/adults, $2/seniors/active military/ages 6-17, free/ages under 6/first Thursday and second Saturday monthly. 155 West Grand Ave., Escondido. 760/735-3355. www.mingei.org.

Model Railroad Museum: The largest indoor operating model railroad display in the world plus toy-train exhibits. Tue.-Fri. 11-4, Sat.-Sun. 11-5. $7/adults, $6/seniors, $3/students, $2.50/active military, free/ages under 15 with adult/first Tue. monthly. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619/696-0199. www.sdmodelrailroadm.com.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: “Ruben Ochoa,” “Cerca Series: Lael Corbin,” “Cerca Series: Mara De Luca” and “Laerke Lauta” (through June 20) are featured. Thur.-Tue./11-5, Third Thur. monthly/11-7, closed Wed. $10/general, $5/seniors/military, free/ages under 25. 1100 and 1001 Kettner Blvd., downtown. 858/454-3541. www.mcasd.org.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: View “Pleasure Point: Celebrating 25 Years of Contemporary Collectors” (through May 16) plus ongoing exhibitions, lectures, films and special events. Thur.-Tue./11-5, Third Thur. monthly/11-7, closed Wed. $10/general, $5/seniors/military, free/ages under 25. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. 858/454-3541. www.mcasd.org.

Museum of Making Music: Explores the multifaceted history of the American music-products industry from its beginnings in the 1890s to today. Tue.-Sun. 10-5. $7/general, $5/seniors/students/active military, free/ages under 6. 5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad. 760/438-5996. www.museumofmakingmusic.org.

Museum of Man: Permanent exhibitions explore Ancient Egypt, Kumeyaay, Human Evolution and Maya complimented by changing special exhibits featuring artifacts from our collections and around the world. Daily 10-4:30. $10/adults, $7.50/seniors/active military/ages 13-17, $5/ages 3-12, half-price/Sat.-Sun. 10-12 (through May 31), free/ages under 3. 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619/239-2001. www.museumofman.org.

Museum of Photographic Arts: View “State of Mind: A California Invitational” (through June 6). Tue.-Sun. 10-5. $6/adults, $4/seniors/students/military, free/ages under 12/members/second Tue. monthly. Film prices vary. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619/238-7559. www.mopa.org.

Museum of San Diego History: “Faces of the Frontier: Photographic Portraits from the American West, 1845-1924” (through June 6) plus lectures and special events. Tue.-Sun. 10-5. $5/adults, $4/seniors/students/military, $2/ages 6-17, half-price/Sat.-Sun. 10-12 (through May 31), free/ages under 6/every second Tuesday. Casa de Balboa, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619/232-6203. www.sandiegohistory.org.

Natural History Museum: “All That Glitters — The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals” (opens May 15), “Charles Cramer: Lyrical Landscapes” (through May 23) and “Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries” (through Sept. 6) plus ongoing exhibits, classes, lectures, films and field trips. Daily 10-5. $16/adults, $14/seniors, $11/active military/ages 13-17, $10/ages 3-12. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619/232-3821. www.sdnhm.org.

New Children’s Museum: Children and families experience exciting art exhibitions, hands-on studio projects, performances, birthday parties, in-depth classes, camps and educational programs. Hours vary. $10/adults/children, $5/seniors/military, free/ages under 1/second Sunday. 200 West Island Ave., downtown. 619/233-8792. www.thinkplaycreate.org.

Oceanside Museum of Art: “Plastic Fantastic: Allison Renshaw (through June 20) and “Painting World War II: The California Style Watercolor Artists” (through Oct. 3). Special events include Free Family Art Day (May 2), Jewish Film Festival (May 13) and Masterworks of Body Art (May 15). Tue.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4. $8/general, $5/seniors, free/students/active military. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. 760/435-3720. www.oma-online.org.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center: An entertaining, educational experience for visitors of all ages with exhibits to touch, virtual reality to experience and films, like Hubble, to see in the IMAX dome theater. Daily, hours vary. $8.75-$19.50. 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619/238-1233. www.rhfleet.org.

San Diego Air & Space Museum: A journey through the history of flight plus explore the facts and challenge fiction at the Science of Aliens exhibition. Daily 10-4:30. $15/adults, $12/seniors/students/retired military, $6/ages 3-11, free/ages under 3/active military. Other prices vary. 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park. 619/234-8291. www.sandiegoairandspace.org.

San Diego Museum of Art: “Brutal Beauty — Drawings by Hugo Crosthwaite” (through July 18). Tue.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. $12/general, $9/seniors/military, $8/students, $4.50/ages 6-17, free/ages under 6. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619/232-7931. www.sdmart.org.

Timken Museum of Art: View “Rembrandt’s Recession: Passion and Prints in the Dutch Golden Age” (through May 2). Tue.-Sat. 10-4:30, Sun. 1:30-4:30. Free. 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619/239-5548. www.timkenmuseum.org.

USS Midway Museum: An unforgettable adventure for the entire family with more than 60 exhibits and 25 restored aircraft. Daily 10-5. $18/adults, $15/seniors/students, $10/retired military/ages 6-17, free/ages under 6/active military. Navy Pier, 910 N. Harbor Dr., downtown. 619/544-9600. www.midway.org.

Veterans Museum and Memorial Center: Houses a unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia covering all branches of the service featuring exhibits from World War I and II, Pearl Harbor, the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, Desert Storm and Women in the Military. Tue.-Sun. 10-4. $5/general, $4/veterans/seniors, $2/students, free/ages under 12/active military. 2115 Park Blvd., Balboa Park. 619/239-2300. www.veteranmuseum.org.

Whaley House Museum: A classic example of mid-19th-century Greek Revival architecture. Times vary. $6/adults, $5/seniors, $4/ages 3-12. 2476 San Diego Ave., Old Town. 619/297-7511. www.whaleyhouse.org.

Women’s History Museum and Educational Center: A variety of changing exhibits and displays on women’s history. Tue.-Sat. 12-4. Free admission. Donations welcome. 2323 Broadway, Suite 107, Golden Hill. 619/233-7963. www.whrp.net.