by David George Contra Costa County UC Master Gardener Program Coordinator Dawn Kooyumjian has been responsible for the business side of the program since June 2016. But do you really know Dawn? She and I had a chance to chat last week during a break in her many official duties.

Welcome to New & Returning ELT Members: Planting the Seeds of Success...

Article & Photos by Marilyn Saarni Our wildfire season is officially hereits early this year, with our rainy winter producing plenty of vegetation. The summer heat is drying out many plants, while water consumption is increasing.

Becky Griffin, wife of UC Master Gardener Steve Griffin, painted these two whimsical and welcoming murals on the side of the Our Garden shed fence. Photos by Greg Letts.

Article by Janet Miller Photo by Greg Letts Oh, the glory of a beautiful summer garden and this year, if I dare say it, Our Garden looks better than ever! I always feel that a successful garden comes from a healthy mix of tried-and-true best cultural practices, a science-based approach to fertilizi...

Article & photos by Liz Rottger I want to update you on the progress weve been making at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cerrito. We have regularly scheduled work parties on the second Saturday of the month, but I know many of you cant make our work parties.

By Laura Brainin-Rodriguez As we age, we may develop injuries due to overuse or mishaps. This can affect our balance, coordination, and/or eyesight, as well as our joints. We will discuss the body mechanics, tools, and equipment we can use to continue making gardening a vital part of our lives.

By Laura Brainin-Rodriguez Like any physical activity, preparing our bodies for gardening is a good idea. It is recommended that we do 5 minutes of a warmup, such as walking around the garden, followed by some gentle stretches.

By Susan Heckly Clients conundrum In May, a client from Trilogy in Brentwood called and described some sort of pest all over a neighbors walls, windows, and plants. She described it as small black dots of stuck-on material.

On June 25, the Richmond Dry Garden and UC Master Gardeners received a proclamation from the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) recognizing the successful collaboration between the City of Richmond Parks and Landscaping Division and the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County that restor...