UC Master Gardeners are sharing their love for growing fresh fruits and vegetables, helping Californians discover and access local, healthy food across the state. From vibrant demonstration gardens in the low desert of Imperial County to the Bay Area region, volunteers are not only growing food—they're giving back to their communities. By partnering with residents, they offer hands-on guidance in composting, tree care, and crop growing, all while promoting sustainable gardening and healthier lifestyles.
Join us in celebrating Joie Spinelli, Krista Flores, Ed Andrade, Ronald Cheung, Ana Peeks, Shital Parikh, Maggie Lim, Sue Lovelace, Shawn Owens, Deborah Hartnett and Diane Pollack—UC Master Gardeners who are growing their community knowledge and access to fresh locally grown food!
Joie Spinelli, Contra Costa County
Joie Spinelli, a UC Master Gardener volunteer in Contra Costa, is a warm and inspiring leader at the Our Garden demonstration garden, especially known for his work in composting and food gardening. Described as the "heart and soul" of the new volunteer training project, Joie excels at engaging newcomers and connecting them to meaningful projects. His leadership shines as he oversees the production of a significant portion of the garden's compost each year, utilizing on-site green produce.
Joie Spinelli is often heard saying, "Compost is always there for you" and "Make the world a better place: volunteer," words that inspire all who work with him.
Krista Flores, Imperial County
Krista Flores has been a driving force in Imperial County, inspiring UC Master Gardener volunteers and playing a key role in the SPROUT "Growing Together" partnership with the Imperial Public Library. Through this collaboration, she helped create the SPROUT Demonstration Garden, an adult garden education series, and a thriving seed library. Since joining in 2022, Krista has empowered others, especially those new to vegetable gardening, helping them build confidence and foster a stronger, more connected community through gardening. Ember Haller, the Director of the Imperial Public Library, has said,
"We are so lucky to have the partnership with the UCMG Program and be able to work with professional and knowledgeable gardeners like Krista Flores. She is always on top of everything going on in the gardens, and she is a pleasure to work with."
Ed Andrade, Orange County
Ed Andrade is a passionate and hardworking UC Master Gardener volunteer in Orange County who goes above and beyond in his support of both the South Coast Research and Extension Center and the Giving Farm at Westminster High School. Ed's commitment to these projects shines through as he works directly with UCANR Academic Advisors, always ready to lend a hand with whatever needs to be done. Whether it's caring for orchards and gardens, monitoring pest traps, expertly pruning trees, or building everything from birdhouses to garden structures and vine supports, Ed tackles every task with enthusiasm and precision. He's also actively involved in spreading mulch, transporting materials, picking up rocks, and harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables for local food banks. Ed's passion for gardening and community service makes him an invaluable volunteer, continuously contributing to important research efforts and helping make a positive impact in his community.
"He's a terrific role model and lends his tools without thinking you might damage them. Then he shows you how to clean them! He has the cleanest tools in the business."
Ronald Cheung, Orange County
Ronald Cheung, a dedicated UC Master Gardener in Orange County, brings his expertise to the Westminster High School Giving Farm, where he created an innovative orchard program to manage its vibrant eight-acre orchard. This program helps streamline essential tasks like fertilization, pruning, and pest control, with each tree proudly displaying a QR-coded sign that leads to a helpful care guide. Ronald's thoughtful design of the signs and in-depth research ensures that every tree thrives, maximizing harvests to support the Orange County Food Bank.
"After joining the UC Master Gardener program in 2022, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer at The Giving Farm. It's an incredible place, featuring a diverse orchard, a pollinator garden, and other agricultural facilities."
Ana Peeks, Orange County
Since joining the UC Master Gardeners of Orange County in 2022, Ana Peeks has been on a mission to inspire and empower the Latino community in her neighborhood through the joy of gardening. Her dynamic classroom creates a welcoming environment where she actively engages with participants, helping them learn how to grow their own food and cultivate new skills. By providing materials for at-home mini gardens, Ana ensures everyone can make the most of their space and embrace healthier, more sustainable living.
"Her ability to speak Spanish and her connection to the community worked to make sure people had access to healthy food." - Laura Holly
Shital Parikh, San Diego County
Shital Parikh led the creation of the Belden Community Garden, a 13-bed garden designed for residents of a low-income facility to manage independently over time. The garden has become a peaceful, welcoming space for the community to connect and grow their own food. In March 2024, residents celebrated their first harvest with a fun salad-making luncheon, enjoying the fresh produce they grew themselves.
"The residents are at the heart of this, and it's been a joy to see them come together across different languages and cultures, sharing in the harvest and learning alongside us," said Parikh.
Maggie Lim, San Mateo-San Francisco County
For the past six years, Maggie Lim has led a team of UC Master Gardener volunteers to manage the 5,000-square-foot garden at the Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center in Redwood City, serving a low-income, mostly Latino community. Maggie works closely with participants to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruits, including tomatoes, peppers, chayote, and passion fruit, while also promoting sustainable practices like soil blocks for seed germination. The garden has made a significant impact, providing fresh, culturally relevant food and building valuable knowledge for the community.
"For me", Maggie says, "the reward is in the community. It goes beyond the food that is produced. For me to see the clients connecting with each other and with us - exchanging ideas, laughing and collaborating out in the garden - is very fun and personally rewarding".
Sue Lovelace, Sonoma County
Sue Lovelace, a valued UC Master Gardener since 2007, has made incredible contributions to Sonoma County, including leading the rehabilitation of the Los Guilicos Children's Garden and playing a key role in Container Gardening workshops. In 2023, she also joined the diversity team and continues to inspire with her weekly 'Sundays with Sue' column on social media. As a dedicated leader and cheerleader, Sue revitalized the Food Gardening Specialist group during the pandemic and has written numerous articles for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat's 'Advice to Grow By' column.
"Sue is a delight to work with and is smart, fun, and kind and well deserving of recognition as this year's Gardener with Heart!"
Shawn Owens, Yolo County
Shawn Owens, a UC Master Gardener volunteer, is dedicated to maintaining and educating residents at Grace Garden in Davis, which features a 14-tree orchard and 19 demonstration garden beds. Drawing on his experience as an Air Force Medic, Shawn works closely with others, helping them learn how to grow their own food. His efforts have reached over 1,200 visitors, resulting in more than 900 pounds of produce being donated to the local food bank.
"Shawn is a 'champion of our hearts! We are so grateful for Shawn Owens, our Veteran and UC Master Gardener!'"
Deborah Hartnett, Los Angeles County
Deborah Hartnett, a UC Master Gardener volunteer in Los Angeles County, brings her passion for food gardening education to life through her work at The Ranch at the Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens. She enthusiastically shares science-based gardening practices with anyone eager to learn, always promoting community well-being through her volunteer efforts. Deborah supports a variety of programs, from training new UC Master Gardeners to teaching at schools and engaging with the public at farmers markets and the L.A. County Fair.
"Deborah is the quintessential Master Gardener. She has a thirst for knowledge and makes sure she has a solid grasp of every aspect of gardening. She has the drive to help out and get things done, as well as a passion to help everyone better their gardening skills. Deborah never hesitates to volunteer where she's needed." – Valerie Borel
Diane Pollack, Los Angeles County
Diane Pollack, a 35-year UC Master Gardener volunteer and former LAUSD middle and high school teacher, is passionate about bringing garden-based education to students. She's a go-to garden science educator, known for supporting teachers with the resources they need to start and sustain thriving school gardens. Through her dedication, Diane continues to inspire young learners and foster strong youth gardening programs across Los Angeles.
Diane's 35 years as an MG volunteer is remarkable. She shows no signs of slowing down. She quips: "I'm the 'Go-To' person and I love it!"
About National Volunteer Month and Gardeners with Heart
During National Volunteer Month (April 1 - 30), the UC Master Gardener Program celebrates its dedicated volunteers and their significant contributions to communities across California. Gardeners with Heart volunteers are nominated for their exceptional work in community outreach and communication efforts, highlighting their commitment to promoting gardening education and fostering community resilience. Join us in honoring their dedication and passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. If you are interested in learning more about gardening in your community or getting involved, you can find your local program here.