By Bill Miller The above title does not ask: Whats good gardening? We trained UC Master Gardeners, have a pretty good handle on that, and are at the ready to share knowledge and best practices with those in our community.

I am delighted to welcome our soon-to-be Class of 2024! This class brings together people with incredible backgrounds and talents to our program.

Compiled by Dorothy Abeyta and John Fike...

By John Fike Leading a project like New Volunteer Training has a myriad of aspects associated with it, ranging from challenge to fun. There also is a daunting feature given the complexities of managing both online Zoom and in-person components.

In this month's The Latest Dirt, we present the New Volunteer Trainees bios, photos, and a message from NVT Co-Leads John Fike and Dorothy Abeyta. Here, Executive Committee Project Leads extend a warm welcome and describe the many opportunities available to the UC Master Gardener Trainees.

Article & photos by Simone Adair As I looked around the large community room, seeing so many familiar faces was lovely. I hadnt seen many of the UC Master Gardeners that filled the room since before the Pandemic. I only knew some of them from Zoom calls.

By Simone Adair One of the highlights of the recent 2023 Volunteer Recognition Dinner was the honoring of UC Master Gardeners, who have volunteered a significant amount of hours with pins and new badges.

By Greg Letts You will see some new additions to Our Garden on your next visit. Two large, barn-red sheds have replaced the old sheds at Our Garden, and the fenced area has expanded 10 feet. For several years, squirrel nests and gopher tunnels have undermined the foundations of the old sheds.

By Sara Hoyer Clients question: I purchased some spring bulbs early last fall and then forgot to plant them! I purchased some daffodils and crocus.

By Simone Adair It was with sadness that we learned of our friend and colleague Kathy Gages passing on Saturday, January 6, after a long battle with cancer. When I became Editor of The Latest Dirt, Kathy quickly volunteered to help in any capacity needed.