The Latest Dirt - January 2025
Editor’s Note:
The devastating fires in Southern California have affected many of our neighbors down south. So many of us have family and friends touched by this tragedy. Missy Gable, Director of the UC Master Gardener Program, recently sent out an email with the link to ANR Disaster/Emergency resources, including planning for emergencies (https://safety.ucanr.edu/Programs/emergency/EmrgResources/). Now is a good time to review your safety plans. We share Missy’s message, “Our thoughts are with our friends and colleagues dealing with the overwhelming loss of homes and property damage.”
Marilyn Saarni, Co-Lead of the Firewise Gardening Project and Rescape-certified in Sustainable Firescaping, writes a must-read article on evacuation preparation. “I want to push people to think ‘Save Lives’ first and then evacuation—evacuation—evacuation.” She also offers the first steps to building a firewise garden, provides resources on home hardening, and shares a CalFire site where you can get a customized wildfire preparedness checklist. If you only read one article in this newsletter, let it be this one.
David George interviews May Coleman, who is not only a very accomplished UC Master Gardener (over 1500 hours in 2024) but also someone who has a fascinating life, including graduating from the San Francisco Cordon Bleu, where she learned her mad cake-making skills. She also has her Master’s in Clinical Psychology. She is also deeply passionate about volunteering with underserved communities.
Liz Rottger writes a poignant and sometimes funny essay reflecting on the 2024 CoCoMG holiday party. For example, do any of us recognize UC Master Gardeners if they’re not in their garden clothes? She describes the camaraderie and the sumptuous feast on “medieval-style long tables laden with a banquet of delicious dishes and desserts...” Susan Domanico and Cynthia Casey, Hospitality Co-Leads, managed over 30 volunteers that evening. Susan writes, “We had one of the largest turnouts in years, 174 attendees." She shared her thanks to all those who volunteered their time for a memorable event.”
Susan Domanico and Pam Austin recently visited two school gardens in West County—Fairmont Elementary and Mira Vista Elementary—to deliver cool-season vegetable starts. She describes how the gardens at both schools are hubs of activities for the students during recess and lunch.
We’ve also included an article on the new leadership structure for the Webinar Team within the Speakers Bureau. And the Help Desk has submitted a client question about a mystery pest invasion. Find out how they solved the problem. Finally, Mary Jo Corby has announced the dates for the Great Tomato Plant Sale for all three parts of the county, and they could use some help sale day.
But first, we start with Laura Brainin-Rodriguez’s highlights from the UC Master Gardener Volunteer Recognition Potluck held on December 9, 2024.
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt - November 2024
Editor’s Note: A Warm Welcome to Our 2025 UC Master Gardener Trainees!
Dear New Volunteer Trainees,
Welcome to the Contra Costa County UC Master Gardener family! The Latest Dirt Team, including the editors, writers and technical support, is thrilled to have you join us on this rewarding education, outreach, and stewardship journey. This year promises exciting opportunities for learning, hands-on experience, and community impact. As you embark on this path, you will find yourselves in a community of passionate, dedicated volunteers who share a love of gardening and a commitment to sustainable practices.
Before we dive into the year ahead, I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to The Latest Dirt this year. Your efforts have made it an invaluable resource, helping us stay connected, informed, and inspired. Every article, project update, and bit of shared knowledge has enriched our community, and it has been an absolute joy for me to work with all of you. I am incredibly grateful for your time, creativity, and dedication.
In this issue, our Project Leads share a few words highlighting their team’s accomplishments over the past year and describe ways for you to get involved. They’ve worked tirelessly to bring meaningful projects to life and are excited to welcome fresh perspectives and new energy as they share their plans for the year ahead, but they can't do it alone. We hope you take a moment to read through these amazing articles to see if there might be a job or two that sounds appealing.
We hope you feel inspired by these dedicated individuals and their visions for the coming year. Each Project offers a chance to expand your skills, make new friends, and contribute to impactful gardening initiatives across our community. Let’s continue to grow together, learning from one another and making a difference, one project at a time!
With deep gratitude and warmest regards,
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt - September 2024
Editor’s Note: Welcome, UC Master Gardeners, to the fall edition of The Latest Dirt. As the evenings in Richmond bring a hint of chill, we’re still holding out for a few more warm days to savor the garden’s final vibrant colors. Autumn is upon us, and with it comes a new set of garden chores: nurturing the soil, preparing for winter, and protecting the pollinators that keep our spaces buzzing. This summer, we were delighted by the many hummingbirds, butterflies, and big, fat bumblebees gracing our gardens, and we’re committed to ensuring they have a home year-round.
One of the key things we focus on during this season is helping our pollinators. While many prepare to hibernate, it’s essential to support their well-being. We do this by leaving parts of the garden undisturbed, providing bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects with safe places to rest and survive through the colder months. These small actions make a big difference, helping local pollinators return strong when spring’s bloom arrives. While autumn offers plenty of tasks for gardeners, prioritizing pollinator support fosters a healthier, more sustainable environment. It’s a simple yet impactful way to ensure nature thrives even as temperatures drop.
Our UC Master Gardener Project Leads are also hard at work this season. As we bid farewell to longtime Leads, we’re excited to welcome a new group of volunteers ready to take the reins. The need for members to step up in our many projects remains strong, and, in some cases critical. As you read through the articles below, we hope you find inspiration for a new way to get involved.
David George, a newly elected member of the Executive Leadership Team, starts us off with an article on the organization of our UC Master Gardener program. Community Gardens Co-Lead Meb Philips updates us on new leadership while celebrating outgoing Lead Karen Maggio’s tenure. Karen supported 16 community gardens, including two new demonstration gardens. Meb also highlights the new sign CoCoMG Fletcher Oakes created for use at Community Gardens events.
Vicki Lee updates us on Growing Gardeners and the program’s growth. Emma Connery remembers the Help Desk’s beginnings before computers or the Internet. Everything was on paper! Janet Miller updates us on what’s new at Our Garden and acknowledges longtime volunteer Steve Danzinger. Liz Rottger writes a heartfelt article about Matthew Dwinell and his Eagle Scout project building a new shed for the Water Conservation Garden in El Cerrito. This month, David George interviews Amanda Merrill, the new School Gardens Co-Lead in East County.
Hedwig Van Den Broeck and Andrea Salzman describe the success of the Speakers Bureau and how there is a great need for new leadership and other volunteers. Dawn Kooyumjian thanks Nanette Hefferman and Molly Wendt for their incredible work on this year’s reappointment process. Lori Palmquist describes the Herculean task of moving our website to a new platform called Drupal. Dorothy Abeyta and John Fike announce the New Volunteer Training class schedule and the process for visiting one of the classes. Finally, Susan Heckly shares her Help Desk reply concerning damage from Elm Leaf Beetles and ways to mitigate the damage through integrated pest management.
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt
Editor’s Note: I’ve been thinking about why we are UC Master Gardeners. Gardening is such a cherished activity. It serves as a means of connecting with nature and nurturing a sense of community. As CoCoMGs, we assist with school gardens and community gardens. We are always ready to answer the many questions asked at our Ask A Master Gardener booths and Help Desk. Our different demonstration gardens not only produce truckloads of produce for our partner, the Monument Crisis Center, but we also assist with school and community gardens. We are also always ready to answer the many questions at our Ask A Master Gardener booths and our Help Desk. This issue of The Latest Dirt highlights the efforts of so many of our volunteers and staff.
Gardening provides an avenue for relaxation, stress relief, and physical activity and promotes overall well-being. We encourage sustainable living practices, reduce reliance on commercially grown produce, and minimize carbon footprint. Ultimately, despite the adversities posed by the region’s unique environmental factors, we are all driven by a love for nature, community, and the rewards of cultivating a piece of paradise.
This month’s issue highlights ways we nurture a sense of community. Nowhere else is this more evident than at our three Great Tomato Plant Sales. Mary Jo Corby, Janet Miller, Wendy Kraft and Liz Rottger describe the Sales that made over $100,000.
David George interviews Pam Austin, the longtime School Gardens Lead. Ann Ramirez discusses what is appealing about Growing Gardens. Meb Phillips, Community Gardens Co-Lead, describes what’s happening at some of the different gardens, including using the Three Sisters.
The Help Desk’s Susan Heckly, in the spirit of the GTPS, answers a resident’s question about what’s eating their tomatoes. Anne Sutherland then takes on a tour of Peruvian and Andean vegetables. To round this issue out, Liz Rottger describes how three CoCoMGs saved a perch for a little hummingbird who called an elderberry tree at the Richmond Dry Garden home.
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt
Volume 14, Issue 2 - March 2024
Editor’s Note:
Editor’s Note: Time has sprung forward as we transition into early spring with longer days and warmer weather. We welcome the blossoming of colorful flowers and greenery in our gardens and the opportunity to be outside amidst the pleasant temperatures and burgeoning nature. Plants burst into bloom, and there is a sense of excitement and anticipation for the warmer months ahead.
Spring also returns with the 12th anniversary of the Great Tomato Plant Sale. In this issue, Robin Moore describes the “All Hands On Deck” effort volunteers need to make the sale successful. Liz Rottger describes in an article about the GTPS’s early history how “a modest sale of 3,000 plants grew into over 37,000 plants, including 73 varieties of heirloom and hybrid tomatoes.”
Terri Takusagawa describes opportunities to complete your CE requirements, including workshops at Our Garden, two Lunchbox webinars and other events. Laura Brainin-Rodriguez also highlights the return of what is shaping up to be an exciting season of Ask A Master Gardener booths. Consider attending their kick-off event on March 25 at Bisso Lane. Jan Manns reports on the Family Garden Bed at Our Garden, which started six years ago. She describes its early history and the many lessons learned.
The Help Desk returns with new questions from a local gardener about mystery mushrooms in their garden. Identified as cup fungi in the Pezizaceae family, these mystery mushrooms perform an essential ecological role but are also harmful if eaten.
Liz Rottger and I both write about seeds. I discuss seed viability and ways to check for it, while Liz reviews Thor Hanson’s The Triumph of Seeds, which discusses seed vaults and answers “some of those vexing questions gardeners always have.”
Looking back to this past fall, Dawn Kooyumjian and David George summarize the 2023 UC Master Gardener Conference, which featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions on the latest horticulture research and best practices.
Finally, Paige Shoemaker provides essential information regarding our area’s invasive fruit fly quarantine. She writes, “This invasive pest infests and can ruin over 300 types of crops.”
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt
Volume 14, Issue 1 - January 2024
Editor’s Note:
Welcome to the first issue of 2024. I’m looking forward to the new year and all the great projects we’ll cover in The Latest Dirt. It always seems like this time of year is slow, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Garden projects continue. Project Leads are making plans.
And very importantly, we’re in the middle of the New Volunteer Training course. Please join me in welcoming the new trainees. We’ve included their bios and photos below for you to get to know them. I hope you’ll enjoy reading them as much as I did.
Dawn Kooyumjian, the Program Coordinator for the Contra Costa County UC Master Gardeners, welcomes the New Volunteer Trainees and urges them to volunteer for various projects. She noted, "You may be surprised about how much you like a new project or what you'll find."
NVT Coordinator Dorothy Abeyta and John Fike take on the challenge of leading our primary educational program for UC Master Gardeners. As John puts it in his article below, “Our colleagues’ historical precedents and experiences over the past decade or more have provided us with critical insight as we engage the newest UC Master Gardener trainees.”
Many of our 2024 Project Leads have also contributed to an article describing their projects for the NVT class. I remember when I was a trainee, and everyone came in to talk to us about their areas. It was a whirlwind. This article will be a handy reference and include contact information.
We’re also highlighting the fantastic December Recognition Potluck Dinner. Muriel Wilson and Virginia Saifer assembled an excellent team of 30 volunteers to create a seamless event. It was incredible seeing CoCoMGs that I usually only text or email. The potluck was delicious, and here’s a special shout-out to Maiytth Coleman for that fantastic cake of the forest floor.
The recognition ceremony also reflected the hard work and dedication of our UC Master Gardeners. We’ve included an article highlighting those hitting milestones, including Terri Takusagawa reaching over 7,500 hours.
We also learn about the additions at Our Garden by Greg Letts, including new sheds. Thank you to Susan Heckly for providing Sara Hoyer’s reply to a community member’s question concerning the late planting of bulbs, something we have also done occasionally. I’m always astounded at the breadth of questions the Help Desk receives and the comprehensive answers our volunteers give.
At the end of this issue, I've also included a few words about our friend and colleague Kathy Gage, who passed away on January 6. Kathy often wrote and edited articles for both TLD and News to Grow By.
But first, Bill Miller, an Executive Leadership Team member, shares his thoughts on the positive effects and benefits of gardening.
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt
Volume 13, Issue 5 - November 2023
Editor’s Note: Welcome to the November issue of 2023. It is chock full of a wide array of articles and updates. It makes me truly appreciate all I continue learning as a UC Master Gardener. We have so many resources available – attending webinars and garden talks, working in four different CoCoMG gardens, and watching YouTube and Vimeo videos. Thank you to all our contributors and the hard work you put into strengthening our organization.
In this issue, David George returns to interview Bill Miller. Many of you know Bill from Ask A Master Gardener Booths. He’s also a member of the Executive Leadership Team. Bill shares his background, as well as great advice for new members.
It is such a pleasure to introduce our newest member Of the UC Master Gardener Bisso Lane crew. Diana Garcia–Colmenarez is our new Administrative Assistant. Diana is also a San José State University graduate student in the Environmental Studies Department. I had the great privilege of chatting with her, and I write about her below.
In an article by Laura Brainin–Rodriguez, newer UC Master Gardeners who volunteer with Ask A Master Gardener booths share their backgrounds and perspectives. Also, we learn more about the recently held EBMUD Landscape Advisory Committee meeting at the Richmond Library highlighting the Richmond Low Water Demonstration Garden. The interest in the Garden from so many partners is fantastic.
Karen Maggio shares an update on the Family Harvest Demonstration Garden in Pittsburg, CA. The landscape plan, developed by the UC Master Gardener Team, and project priorities recently took shape during several weeks of team meetings. Steve Carter shows his enthusiasm for Growing Gardeners in an article about the four successful beginning gardening courses held this year. And Gail Burt thanks all the CoCoMGs who contributed to the Speakers Bureau’s outstanding year.
Lisa Bramblet writes about all the changes at the Rivertown Demonstration Garden, including a new Bee Hotel. Hospitality Committee Co-Coordinators Muriel Wilson and Virginia Saifer share details on the upcoming 2023 Annual Members Recognition Potluck Dinner. Pam Austin reviews the new Ladibug document camera that you can check out.
First, Laura Brainin-Rodriguez chats with project leads about their contributions, how they sustain their engagement with CoCoMGs, and what is most meaningful for them.
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt
Volume 13, Issue 4 - September 2023
Editor's Note: Welcome to your September edition of The Latest Dirt. While summer may be waning, we are still experiencing beautiful weather. Gardens everywhere in my neighborhood are in full bloom. My fruit trees are providing a bounty of sweetness, and everything is green everywhere. Here in West County, the temperature is moderate. There is still mist in the mornings, and the afternoons are a luxury. With slightly higher temperatures, Central and East Counties have also been enjoying perfect weather.
Soon, Fall and Winter will return, but only after a truckful of weeds will need pulling. I'm being cautious this year to remove any fallen leaves or dead foliage, especially after watching the devastating footage of the fires in Maui. Marilyn Saarni writes an impressive article on the firestorm, tying it back to our California fires and what Firewise practices you can follow around your property.
In this issue, David George delivers another outstanding interview with Terri Takusagawa, the first Triple Platinum volunteer. After reading his interview, you won't be surprised by this, considering the monumental job she's done for the UC Master Gardeners.
Liv Imset describes an inventive pilot program at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cerrito that collects water onsite using a fog collector. Separately, Dawn Kooyumjian, our UC Master Gardener Program Coordinator for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, will present on the transformation of the Richmond Low Water Demonstration Garden, in partnership with EBMUD, at the Richmond Main Library, Friday, September 29, 1:00 - 2:30 pm (in person) — https://www.ebmud.com/about-us/events/event-details?occurrenceID=4783.
Anne Sutherland recounts this year's Jardineros highlights of the many potting up classes given to Spanish-speaking mothers at various elementary schools and the Monument Crisis Center.
Sheila Weston at the Help Desk shares an interesting query from a client trying to identify a smallish-looking fly with a green cast tormenting his tomato plants. Terri Takusagawa comes through with the identification. And finally, Janet Miller gives us an update on the incredible bounty of Our Garden and shared with our good friends at the Monument Crisis Center.
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt
Volume 13, Issue 3 - July 2023
Editor's Note: Welcome to your July edition of The Latest Dirt. Summer has finally arrived. I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather and not overheating, especially our Central and East County UC Master Gardeners. I have truly been enjoying our garden. Well, except for the weeding. Our weeds have benefitted from all the rain we had this year.
One thing is for sure. Project Leads have not been resting this summer. They've submitted great articles, which I hope you'll enjoy. Jon Dwyer updates us on the Annual Reappointment Process and the recent Spring Social at Our Garden. Janet Miller also writes about the transitions at Our Garden. She also describes the new Family Bed to demonstrate what is possible in a small family plot!
Laura Brainin-Rodriguez explains what happens at an Ask A Master Gardener table and why our CoCoMGs should consider joining this fantastic volunteer Project. Karen Maggio shares with us what's happening at our various Community Gardens around the county, including the Gehringer Pollinator Garden in Concord. Kate Verhoef, in her last article for The Latest Dirt before her departure, describes how School Gardens impact our communities and the many projects volunteers have completed at schools around our county.
Susan Heckly shares two interesting Help Desk questions posed by local gardeners and expertly answered by Stephanie Hargrave on problems with succulents and unhappy Bee's Bliss. Kathy Gage describes the South County Gatherings at CoCoMGs various gardens. And Liz Rottger and Liv Imset thank the many UC Master Gardeners who've volunteered their time at the Water Conservation Garden.
But first, David George and I present an interview with departing School Gardens Lead Kate Verhoef. Kate shares many of her upcoming plans, including a 200–mile solo walk in Dorset called "The Hardy Way." I, for one, will miss Kate and her inspiring volunteer spirit. As we say in the Coast Guard, fair winds and following seas, my friend.
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt
Volume 13, Issue 2 - May 2023
Editor's Note: Welcome everyone to your May edition of The Latest Dirt. This is such a great time of the year. Spring is well on its way, if not with a few extra downpours. Hopefully, your garden is filled with blooms. We finally got through pulling the weeds in our garden and have filled in empty spots with new plants and herbs and vegetables, including a few tomato plants from this year's big sale in Richmond.
Mary Jo Corby summarizes sales in both central and western parts of the county and highlights both front-of-the-house and behind-the-scenes activities. As a West County resident, we were particularly happy to have the Great Tomato Plant Sale back in Richmond, after a four-year hiatus. Congratulations to the many volunteers who made both these events such an amazing success.
David George interviews the inimitable Emma Connery, who shares many of her memories of the early years with the UC Master Gardeners. Like me, I'm sure that you also remember fondly Emma's instruction during your New Volunteer Training, especially her love for insects. Following David's interview is a heartfelt article about Emma Connery by Liz Rottger.
Lori Palmquist shares her expertise on which irrigation smart controller is best for your garden. As she says in her article, "Smart controllers have revolutionized irrigation, and the water savings are pronounced and undeniable."
Take a moment to read about our new Acting/Interim County Director Sheila J. Barry. She has extensive experience serving also as Santa Clara's County Director, as well as the Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor for the San Francisco Bay Area.
But first Robyn Barker, Executive Leadership Team Member, describes some of the upcoming events on the horizon, such as the Annual Business Meeting and the Get-Together at Our Garden in June. She also bids us a fond farewell from the ELT as she and other ELT members and EC officers near the end of their terms.
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt
Volume 13, Issue 1 - March 2023
Editor's Note: Welcome everyone to the March edition of The Latest Dirt. If you're like me, you are looking forward to the spring. It has been a cold, wet winter. Our garden clean-ups here at home have been soggy, though we've had some beautiful clear blue skies. We've rushed out on those days to do some weeding, and it seems like all the rain made our weeds stronger than ever.
So it is with great happiness to read this month's articles. Mary Jo Corby and Robin Moore talk about this year's Great Tomato Plant Sale, our first in-person event since 2019. Several other articles focus on pollinators and beneficials, starting with Liz Rottger's article on the pollinator garden at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cerrito.
Robin Mitchell shares a beautiful article on the many benefits of Fuschia plants for our birds and beneficials. Anne Sutherland describes the history of the Jardineros and then talks about the current events and projects. The Help Desk's Terry Lippert describes the effect of pouring alcohol in your yard. Lisa Bramblet gives a first-hand view of dealing with 811 - Call Before You Dig. Kate Verhoef updates us on a School Garden event. And Laura Brainin-Rodriguez describes the 2023 Ask A Master Gardener project, as well as looks for new volunteers.
But first Greg Letts, Executive Leadership Team Member, looks forward to spring, as well as giving us additional information on the upcoming Great Tomato Plant Sale
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt
Volume 12, Issue 7 - December 2022
Editor's Note: All of us here at The Latest Dirt are so excited to welcome the Class of 2023 New Volunteer Trainees. We are so glad to have all of you join us. We look forward to working with you to promote sustainable gardening practices. You will have many opportunities to work in all our various programs. This issue is dedicated to your future as UC Master Gardeners.
Our Program Coordinator Dawn Kooyumjian shares her message of welcome and can't wait for your final presentations in March. She also shares her background, as well as her goals for the Contra Costa Master Gardener Program for the next three to five years.
Our Executive Leadership Team Members also share the various programs they advise, and how excited they are to meet you. They are all available to answer your questions about how to participate in the many hands-on trainings and how to engage with the community.
We hope that your journey with the UC Master Gardener Program will be rewarding and enjoyable. As your fellow UC Master Gardeners, we are eager share our knowledge as you continue to learn and serve our local community. Again, welcome to the Class of 2023!
Special thanks goes out to Liz Rottger who took time and special care to compile all the New Trainee Volunteer Bios. And finally, happy holidays to all of you, and best wishes for the New Year.
Simone Adair, Editor
***Special Note*** If viewing on a mobile device, please use landscape orientation for the best experience.
The Latest Dirt
Volume 12, Issue 6 - November 2022
Editor's Note: Our trees remind me that we are fully into fall. I'm thoroughly enjoying the changing of the colors of the wide variety of trees here in Contra Costa County. I'm also feeling very grateful for the days of rain we've had. Those were several less days that we needed to water our garden. This time of the year also brings many chores that need to be done. I spent the last few Sundays raking leaves. And it's not over.
And as fall turns to winter, UC Master Gardeners are also busy at work at the wide variety of projects in the County. Laura Brainin-Rodriguez shares with us her Ask A Master Gardener end of year report. AAMG is also seeking new Farmers Market Leads so check out her article to see if there's a good fit. Speakers Bureau Co-Lead Gail Burt shines a light on how popular webinars have been. Anne Sutherland explains what Jardineros have been doing. Soubarna Mishra highlights the many successes of the 2022 School Gardens year.
Karen Maggio, Phil Quinlan and Liz Whiteford report on the new Gehringer Pollinator Garden in North Concord. Lori Palmquist discusses the many ways in which Communications shines a light on the many CoCoMG projects. It's a great article on how we all work together. David George shares his interview of Lisa Bramblet and how Rivertown Demonstration Garden is getting a makeover. Sarah Hoyer answers this month's Help Desk question about peach trees. We also spotlight our Statewide Director Missy Gable who has been awarded this year's Distinguished Early Career Coordinator. Separately, Ann Ramirez thanks the Growing Gardeners Project team for all their hard work.
First, Executive Leadership Team Member Bill Miller celebrates all the volunteers who continue to work at Our Garden and discusses the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan and the upcoming December 12 Social Recognition and Appreciation Event.
Simone Adair, Editor
The Latest Dirt
Volume 12, Issue 5 - September 2022
Editor's Note: While the summer is winding down, the heat has been on the rise around the County, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees in many places. That hasn't stopped our UC Master Gardeners from accomplishing their Project goals. Kathy Gage writes about the new AAMG booth at Dougherty Station in San Ramon. Karen Maggio explains how a garden is so much more than plants. Ann Ramirez and Ann Howard give an overview of the Growing Gardeners Project. We have two Help Desk submissions this month, one on mango health and another on aphids taking over milkweed plants.
Our Garden, Rivertown Demonstration Garden and the new Water Conservation Garden in El Cerrito all give updates. Kate Verhoef recently participated in a teacher exploration seminar at Jack London Elementary in Antioch where teachers were encouraged to think like their students. Robyn Barker clears up questions about qualifying hours. David George profiles ELT member Greg Letts. Our Garden members come together to wish a happy 90th birthday to P.K. Sathe.
First, Executive Leadership Team Member Robyn Barker celebrates the visible and invisible members of our UC Master Gardener Team.
Simone Adair, Editor
***An important note — Some email programs have clipped the bottom part of the newsletter. If this happens, click the three small dots at the bottom of the newsletter. This should bring up the rest of the articles.