Explore New Gardening Techniques at Master Gardeners’ Fall Workshops

The UC Master Gardeners of Butte County are hosting a series of workshops this fall, offering a rich selection of topics for both novice and experienced gardeners. Running until mid-December, the series features eleven workshops, six of which are brand new. Participants can look forward to hands-on learning opportunities and expert guidance, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Patrick Ranch.

Starting in October, attendees can engage in various workshops designed to enhance gardening skills. Among the offerings are sessions on creating a low-maintenance backyard meadow, identifying and managing weeds, and hands-on fruit tree pruning. The series also includes workshops on gardening with native plants, assessing fruit ripeness, and dealing with common garden pests such as gophers, moles, and squirrels.

Upcoming Workshops and Themes

The first workshop, titled Creating a Backyard Blooming Meadow and Cottage Garden Look, is scheduled for October 11. Participants will learn how to develop a self-sustaining cottage garden that thrives with minimal maintenance. Following this, on October 13, the Weed Identification and Management workshop will equip gardeners with the knowledge to tackle specific weeds in their gardens effectively.

On October 17, the hands-on workshop on Fruit Tree Pruning will guide participants through the process of keeping their fruit trees at an ideal size. Tom Hanson, a Master Gardener and orchardist, will lead the session in the Demonstration Garden Orchard. The series also features a workshop on Gardening with California Native Plants on October 21, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health.

As October progresses, the focus will shift to optimal harvesting techniques with the Is it Ripe? workshop on October 24. Participants will explore how to determine the right time to harvest various fruits and vegetables, along with best storage practices. The month concludes with a workshop on Gophers, Moles, and Squirrels on October 28, providing strategies to mitigate damage from these pests.

November and December Offerings

November brings a diverse array of topics. On November 8, the Propagation workshop will guide participants through the techniques for propagating woody perennials and dividing plants. A session on Owls, scheduled for November 10, will delve into the role of these birds as natural pest controllers in the region.

Two consecutive workshops on Landscape Design are set for November 12 and November 19. Participants will learn professional design steps to create beautiful, low-maintenance gardens. Additionally, the Irrigation workshop on November 17 will provide insights into drip irrigation systems, crucial for efficient watering in the Mediterranean climate.

The series will conclude with the Gardening for a Lifetime workshop on December 13, which will focus on sustainable gardening practices as individuals age. This session will include practical advice and demonstrations of easy yoga positions tailored for gardeners.

Most workshops will be held at the outdoor classroom in the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden or Pat’s Barn at the Patrick Ranch, located at 10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham. Other venues include the Bradley 2 OLLI classroom in Chico, the Dorothy F. Johnson Center at Chapman Park in Chico, and the Terry Ashe Recreation Center in Paradise.

All workshops are free, but registration is required. Interested individuals can find detailed descriptions and register online at tinyurl.com/2dz4cxl3.

As a timely reminder, Zeke Lunder, a pyrogeographer and wildfire expert, highlights the importance of wildfire preparedness. His video series, “Danger in Plain Sight,” offers critical information relevant to all California residents.

For more details on the UC Master Gardeners of Butte County and gardening assistance, visit ucanr.edu/sites/bcmg/, or reach out via their hotline at 552-5812 or email [email protected].