“It was a natural fit to partner with ValleyCrest for our Outdoor Learning Center,” says Ritz-Carlton, General Manager Bruce Brainerd. “ValleyCrest shares our desire to become advocates of protecting and preserving the planet for future generations and, just like The Ritz-Carlton, part of their mission is to embrace environmental stewardship,” he added.

The organic garden features California pepper trees and fruits trees including lemon, orange, grapefruit, plum, peach, loquat and fig. Various lettuces, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, squash, and watermelons are all planted in raised beds. Rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, mint and chives are also highlighted in the garden. Native plants, such as Evergreen Currant, Douglas Iris, Chalk Dudleya, Coral Bells and California Wild Lilac, have been incorporated into the garden and grow beside plants that were used many years ago by the Native Americans that lived in the region. These native plants include White Sage, Cleveland Sage, California Sagebrush, Lemonade Sumac, Creeping Manzanita, Spiny Rush and Deergrass. As the fruits, vegetables and herbs mature, they will be incorporated into the menus in Raya, the resort’s new restaurant concept by Chef Richard Sandoval.

The greenhouse showcases the growth of native species of plants as well as organic, healthy vegetables that are used in the organic cooking activity, Ambassadors in the Kitchen. Participants discover that organic gardening can be easy and fun, and it yields produce that is the most local that you can get. The greenhouse also serves as a perfect example of how the “greenhouse effect” works, and how it relates to our global climate and the interconnections between human action and the preservation of our environment. Rain gutters on the Greenhouse collect moisture that is used to irrigate the garden and an underground cistern collects runoff that is used in the greenhouse and the garden. On the complimentary Garden Tour, guests have the opportunity to explore the garden and learn about the greenhouse.

The Outdoor Learning Center is incorporated into several of the Ambassadors of the Environment eco-excursions. Gardening Gurus allows guests to discover the real story about organic gardening, composting, and the wonderful world of plants. A Vegetation Vacation starts with a hike in the Dana Point Preserve where guests discover the native plants and animals of the Dana Point coastal region. Upon returning to the resort, guests enjoy a gardening experience in the organic garden. Ambassadors in the Kitchen offers a tour the organic garden where guests learn about the benefits of sustainable gardening and eating organic foods. Then they don their chef hat and learn about cooking with organic ingredients.

The Center’s life-size game board is a fun and interactive way to teach guests about sustainable living. The game is divided into nine sections – energy, water, biodiversity, food, waste, toxic waste, transportation, homes and buildings, and being an Ambassador of the Environment. Guests are the game pieces and they roll giant die to move forward. They read questions from the Sustainable Living cards and if they answer correctly, they advance in the game. At the conclusion of the game, participants discuss what they learned and talk about each section and how it relates to their life and sustainable living.

“ValleyCrest is proud to support efforts to protect and improve the environment through innovative organic gardens and sustainable landscape programs such as what The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has created,” said Roger Zino, president of ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance, which has taken care of the property’s landscape needs since 1997. “These eco-conscious efforts showcase fun and relevant ways to educate guests and incorporate more sustainable practices into their travel experiences.”

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The Festival of Arts is California’s longest-running outdoor fine art exhibition. Its jury process and open-air gallery setting allow this festival to please all types of connoisseurs. The show features the original artwork by 140 award-winning artists from Orange County. Special art-related attractions and special events such as jazz concerts, wine and chocolate pairings, and guided art tours throughout the eight-week run provide entertainment for all. Located at Irvine Bowl Park (650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651), the event runs July 5-August 31 and is open daily from 10 am to 11:30 pm (closed August 28 at 2pm for a fundraising event). Visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org for more information.

Your one-time ticket purchase gives you unlimited admission to the Festival of Arts all summer long, and patrons are encouraged to make repeat visits. Tickets are $7 for general admission and $4 for seniors and students. Children 12 and under are free, as are Laguna Beach residents and Military personnel. For a detailed list of special events and general information visit the website at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org or call 949-497-6582 or 800-487-3378. The Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization that produces The Festival of Arts – California’s Premier Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. The event is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Proceeds support the arts and art education in and about Laguna Beach.

Laguna’s most famous attraction where over 500 volunteers are transformed into life-sized re-creations of some of the world’s most famous paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. Elaborate lighting, stunning makeup, costumes and props render each scene an impressive imitation of its counterpart. And it’s not just the people who bring art to life: there is a live orchestra providing the evening’s sweeping soundtrack, singing and dancing performed in the aisles, and always an element of surprise. The 2010 theme is “Eat, Drink and be Merry.”

TICKETS:
Pageant tickets cost $15-$90 (depending on seat location and night of the week); gala benefit performance on August 28, 2010 costs $50-$350. From July 7 through August 31, 2010, a Pageant of the Masters ticket also entitles you to free admission to The Festival of Arts – California’s Premier Fine Art Show (closed August 28 at 2 p.m. for a fundraising event). This summer’s Pageant ticket is more valuable than ever. It gives the ticket holder an “all access” pass to many of the Festival of Arts special events.

The Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization that produces The Festival of Arts – California’s Premier Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. For general information, call 949-494-1145 or visit the website at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org. The event is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Proceeds support the arts and art education in and about Laguna Beach.

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The Artistry Of Wine education series features tastings of different varietals and vintages from wine regions around the world. Seminars and tastings led by Montage sommeliers focus on wine themes ranging from “Organic and Biodynamic Wines” to “Food and Wine Pairing.”

FEBRUARY 15
Glass Full of Cherries
Although wine comes from the juice of grapes, some of our favorites can be described as tasting like other fruits. Celebrate a favorite summer fruit by sipping on Barberas, Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons and Amarones with the distinct taste of cherries.

MARCH 1
A World of Pinot Grigio
Come taste some of the finest examples of Pinot Grigio from around the world. Whether it’s called Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, or Grauerburgunder, this is a grape that can rival Chardonnay in complexity and elegance.

MARCH 8
California’s New Pinot Noirs
Pinot Noir is all the rage, and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer grape. Try a wide array of regional California wines that bring out the best this grape has to offer.

MARCH 15
A Taste of the Earth
The wines of Champagne, Chablis and the Central Vineyards of the Loire Valley have one thing in common: fossilized oyster shells in their soil. Enjoy the common thread of these three regions and discover what the French call the gout de terroir, or “taste of the earth.”

MARCH 22
French Oak vs. American Oak
Most barrels used in the aging of wine come from American and French Oaks. Because of different climates, the wood used to create these barrels can impart unique flavors. Discover the subtle differences and decide for yourself which barrels are best.

MARCH 29
Organic and Biodynamic Wines
The number of wines available certified as organic and biodynamic is steadily growing, and they consist of some of the world’s most sought-after labels. No matter what grape variety, the wines display a purity of fruit and a distinct sense of place.

APRIL 5
No Tasting

APRIL 12
Easter – No Tasting

APRIL 19
Down Under
New Zealand and Tasmania have emerged as new world wine regions with a striking diversity of styles. Taste some Pinot Noirs, Sparklers, and a few other unexpected gems from our Antipodean friends.

APRIL 26
Food and Wine Pairing
Pairing good food and fine wine is an art. Not all flavors complement each other. Join us to learn the rules of thumb to ensure you create a combination worth remembering.

MAY 3
Mother’s Day is Next Week… Don’t Forget!
The average woman has more taste buds than a man, and some of the world’s finest wines are made by women winemakers. Come taste handcrafted wines made from a woman’s perspective. Gentlemen are also welcome.

MAY 17
The Diversity of Washington State
Washington has long been known for exceptional Cabernets and Merlots, but what you may not know is that the state is home to a bevy of fine wines. Come try for yourself.

MAY 31
A Spoonful of Sugar…
Dessert wines come in a variety of styles and a wide range of flavors. Explore with us some classic styles, as well as some off-the-beaten-path treasures.

JUNE 7
By The Sea
Enjoy some white wines from various regions around the Mediterranean Sea, and see why these crisp, straightforward wines are so perfect for a warm afternoon.

JUNE 14
Southward
Argentina and Chile are producers of wines fantastic in both flavor and value. Try a few modern wines from these countries, and enjoy a unique regional take on some classic grapes.

JUNE 28
Dry Rose: The Perfect Summer Wine
All of the flavors of your favorite “serious” red wines, yet delicate and very drinkable. After all, who wants a heavy Syrah while lying by the pool? See how the rest of the world enjoys wine during the summer. Better yet, Taste it.

To reserve a seat, call 949.715.6420.
And visit the Web site at www.montagelagunabeach.com.

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