The annual Friends of the Gardens (FOG) Birdhouse Auction returns for its 20th year, running online from Saturday, May 30 at 8:00 AM through Thursday, August 13 at 8:00 PM. This beloved silent auction features uniquely beautiful, whimsical, quirky, and handcrafted birdhouses perfect for adding charm to your garden or home.
The auction is entirely online, making it easy to join the bidding fun from anywhere. Fall in love with a favorite? Many pieces will also include a convenient “win-it-now” option.
While bidding takes place online, the birdhouses themselves will be on display at the Gardens from June through August, giving visitors a chance to admire the craftsmanship and delightful details up close.
Over the past 19 years, this popular FOG FUNdraiser has raised an incredible $101,021 in support of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
Every birdhouse is handcrafted by talented local volunteers, making each piece truly one of a kind. A special thanks goes to David Welter, who designed and crafted 24 beautiful birdhouses for this year’s auction, and to MCBG Board Member Keith Stiver, whose sturdy custom-mounted hooks will keep these creations flying high throughout the display.
We are so lucky to have such talented and creative Friends (of the Gardens)! Whether you are bidding, browsing, or simply birdhouse-curious, this annual tradition is a joyful celebration of creativity, community, and support for the Gardens.
HOW IT WORKS
To bid on birdhouses, you will need to create an account with our online auction program, ReadySetAuction. You do not need to enter your credit card information in order to bid on the auction items. Bid increments are automatically set at $5. View the auction catalog and place your bids!
If you have a favorite birdhouse that is simply a must-have, consider snapping it up at the "win-it-now" price... a fantastic donation to the Gardens and a big win for you! When bidding reaches $400, the "win-it-now" option will disappear. This means that bidding will continue all the way until the auction comes to a close on Thursday, August 13, at 8:00 PM. These highly sought-after birdy-abodes can potentially bid beyond $500, making this fundraiser even more of a roaring success! Take a look at your favorite birdhouses today and see if you want to take the plunge and “buy-it-now” price before you can’t…
PAYMENT & POLICIES
All payments will be processed through the auction site online. You do not need to enter your credit card information in order to bid on the auction items. If you have won a birdhouse or choose to purchase a birdhouse at the "win-it-now" price, you may do so through ReadySetAuction. CLICK HERE for some helpful tips on bidding through the online program.
The winning bidder is responsible for payment of the final bid amount captured via the auction website at 8:00 PM on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and the cost of shipping if necessary. Purchases are non-refundable. All proceeds from this fundraiser event help to support this community event and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. If you need assistance completing your purchase, please contact the Administration Office at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens:
administration@gardenbythesea.org
707-964-4352 ext 113
Staff is available Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM, closed weekends & holidays
Friends of the Gardens
Friends of the Gardens, also lovingly known as FOG, is a separate non-profit support organization for Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. FOG supports the Gardens' development and, as such, is the largest contributor to the growth of the Garden. Since it was formed in 1999, FOG has raised more than $672,000 in support of the Gardens!
FOG efforts have funded the development of the entry plaza, restrooms on the bluff, electric carts for visitors with disabilities, and many other features crucial to a great visitor experience. FOG fundraising events are fun and festive, providing an enjoyable and social way to support the Gardens.
BECOMING A MEMBER of Friends of the Gardens is a great way to add your support to the Gardens. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of almost every month, usually in the historic Farmhouse at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Meetings start at 4:00 PM, usually last less than an hour, and are followed by refreshments and social time among members.
To become a FOG member, please email fogsecretarymcbg@gmail.com.
