Events

CANCELLED DUT TO CONSTRUCTION AT THE GARDEN

 Walk and talk with Master Gardeners as they cut back, clean up and divide ornamental plants for the winter.  A discussion of tool care will also be included.

Followed by Open Garden from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Palo Alto Demonstration Garden, 851 Center Dr., Palo Alto, 94301 Directions to Palo Alto Demonstration Garden

Gardening year round is easy and rewarding in our mild Mediterranean
climate. Learn how to have a successful, environmentally responsible
food garden that provides delicious vegetables and herbs every month of
the year. This course stresses sustainable gardening practices such as
mulching, efficient watering methods, on-site composting,integrated
pest management, and use of organic fertilizers and soil amendments.

Topics include:soil preparation, amendments, and fertilizers;
irrigation methods and systems; working with both seeds and seedlings;
cultural requirements of specific warm and cool season crops and
varieties that do well in our area; and how to identify and manage
common pests, weeds, and diseases of vegetable crops in Santa Clara
County.

This class meets on six consecutive Monday evenings, November 9 - December 14 from 6:30 -  8:30 p.m.  The course code is 227272.

Click here to register online or call 408-522-2700.  See http://ace.fuhsd.org for more information about the Sunnyvale-Cupertino Adult and Community Education program.

Location: Sunnyvale's Fremont High School, 1279 Sunnyvale-Saratoga Rd., Sunnyvale, CA, 94087 Directions to Fremont High School in Sunnyvale

Master Gardener Bader Kudsi will discuss the principles of grafting fruit trees in detail at this introduction to grafting.  Several types of grafts will be explained and demonstrated, as well as the reasons for grafting trees so as to have different fruit varieties on a single tree. 

Other topics include: what is a scion; rootstock and scion grafting compatibility of different families and varieties of fruit trees; the correct type of graft to use in each case; tools; the best time to graft; and post-operation care.  Great for both the novice and a refresher for the advanced grafter.  Handouts.  No reservations necessary.

See also the Propagation section in the UC Davis Home Orchard webpage for information about grafting: 

http://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu/general-prop.html.  

The California Rare Fruit Growers holds a Scion Exchange every January, where you can find scions to graft onto your existing trees, either free or very low cost.    Check the Events Calendar in December for details on the upcoming scion exchange!

Location: Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley Street Palo Alto, 94301 Directions to Gamble Garden

Come join us for a free talk on composting with Master Gardener and Master Composter Ian Gerbode.  Ian will cover the basic principals of composting, what goes in, what does not, where to locate the bin, what types of bins are available for purchase or ideas to make your own.  We will learn how to manage the compost pile once it is established and how to harvest and use the finished product in your gardens.  This is the season to revel in the glorious excess of the summer garden and build a thing of beauty (compost!)  as a tribute to the soil that has sustained our summer bounty.  We have harvested for ourselves; now it is time to nurture the soil.  Seating is limited; please phone our office at 723-6450 during business hours or email ritab@metroed.net and leave your name and contact information and a request to attend the worksop.

Location: Erikson Adult ED Center, 4849 Pearl Ave., San Jose 95136 Directions to Erikson Adult Ed Center

Fall is the best time to plant perennials, especially water-wise and drought-tolerant native plants and plants from Mediterranean climates.  Join Master Gardeners for a talk on why this is and how to plant for best success.   Need ideas for what to plant?  Plant options will be discussed and  we'll have a water-wise plant list handout. 

Location: Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Rd., Los Altos, 94022

Even in late fall, the garden is beautiful and has much to share.  It's time to do some planning and thinking about bare root planting.  Join Master Gardeners for a great time in the garden and learn about purchasing and planting bare root trees, shrubs and perennials for edible and ornamental gardens.

Plants grown from bare root often are more vigorous and healthy and it is much less expensive to buy a bare root plant than a nursery plant in a 5-gallon or 10-gallon pot.

Location: Palo Alto Demonstration Garden, 851 Center Dr., Palo Alto, 94301 Directions to Palo Alto Demonstration Garden

Join Master Gardeners in free centerpiece workshops - two workshops this year due to high demand!  (There is a $3 fee for one person or $10 for a family to the Heritage Holiday but there is no additional fee.)  Plant materials, containers and oasis (green foam material used to anchor plant materials) are provided. 

See the Heritage Holiday webpage for more details on this day-long festival, which includes in addition to the Master Gardener centerpiece workshops

• Tea & Tour
• Antique Corner
• Children's Corner and Santa Claus
• Shopping for local arts, foods, candies and gifts in the Museum Store
• Entertainment by Relative Insanity, Wayne Jiang on dulcimer and auto harp
• Strolling costumed carolers from the Lyric Theatre
• Demonstrations including costumed carolers, live music, yarn-spinning and lace-making.

 

Location: History Park at Kelley Park, 1650 Senter Road, San José  95112 Directions to History San Jose

This annual workshop is so popular, we’ve added an additional time slot. Join us in the morning at 10 a.m. or in the afternoon at 1:30 p.m. for a two-hour hands-on workshop.

Get ready for the holidays the old-fashioned way by making your own wreath to adorn your front door!  Master Gardener Milli Wright and friends will show us how to look through our gardens and parks to find unusual items that can be incorporated into the wreaths.  After a basic design lesson, and examples of other clever projects, you will be ready to create your own personal gift for your home.  All basic materials will be provided, but if you have some special greenery, lights or ornaments that you would like to incorporate onto your wreath, feel free to bring them along.

Location:

Guadalupe River Park and Gardens, 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, 95110

Directions to Guadalupe River Park & Garden

Master Gardener Bader Kudsi will again share his knowledge of grafting at our free World Garden Workshop.  Grafting allows gardeners and farmers to grow more than one variety of fruit on their trees.  Sometimes a tree that has become non-productive can be recharged through grafting.  In the art of grafting, Bader is a master craftsman.  Come learn how to collect scion wood from one tree and graft it onto another to extend the harvest by growing fruits that ripen at different times.  Bader will teach us how collect and store the scion wood, when and how to graft and how to care for the graft for the best chance of success.

To sign up for the workshop, please phone our office during regular business hours (408) 723-6450 or email ritab@metroed.net.  Space is limited and this workshop has been very popular.

Location: Erikson Adult Ed Center, 4849 Pearl Ave., San Jose, 95136 Directions to Erikson Adult Ed Center

This annual workshop is so popular, we’ve added an additional time
slot. Join us in the morning at 10 a.m. or in the afternoon at 1:30
p.m. for a two-hour hands-on workshop.

Get ready for the holidays the old-fashioned way by making your own
wreath to adorn your front door!  Master Gardener Milli Wright and
friends will show us how to look through our gardens and parks to find
unusual items that can be incorporated into the wreaths.  After a basic
design lesson, and examples of other clever projects, you will be ready
to create your own personal gift for your home.  All basic materials
will be provided, but if you have some special greenery, lights or
ornaments that you would like to incorporate onto your wreath, feel
free to bring them along.

Location: Guadalupe River Park and Gardens, 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, 95110 Directions to Guadalupe River Park & Garden

Who says that the garden in winter must look dull and dreary? Find out
how to introduce color into your winter garden from Certified Master
Gardener and Landscape Designer Sue Bell.

Location: Evergreen Branch Library, 2635 Aborn Rd., San Jose 95121 Directions to Evergreen Branch Library

Find great scion wood for grafting onto fruit trees, and attend free workshops on fruit varieties and on grafting trees taught by Master Gardener Bader Kudsi.   Hundreds of varieties of deciduous fruit tree scion wood are available for grafting on compatible fruit trees in your own backyard.

You can also find cuttings from fruit trees that you can propagate by simply planting them right away in the group (persimmon, pomegranate, fig, grapes and others).  Free, but donations gratefully received.  

Demonstration of grafting techniques at 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the meeting hall.   Read more about scion wood and grafting techniques in the UC guide for Home Orchards, http://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu

Location: Emma Prusch Farm Park, 647 South King Road, San Jose, 95116 Directions to Emma Prusch Farm Park

Gardening year round is easy and rewarding in our mild Mediterranean
climate. Learn how to have a successful, environmentally responsible
food garden that provides delicious vegetables and herbs every month of
the year. This course stresses sustainable gardening practices such as
mulching, efficient watering methods, on-site composting, integrated
pest management, and use of organic fertilizers and soil amendments.

Topics include:soil preparation, amendments, and fertilizers;
irrigation methods and systems; working with both seeds and seedlings;
cultural requirements of specific warm and cool season crops and
varieties that do well in our area; and how to identify and manage
common pests, weeds, and diseases of vegetable crops in Santa Clara
County.

This class meets on six consecutive Tuesday evenings, January 12 - February 16 from 7 - 9 p.m.

To register, visit  paadultschool.org or call 650-329-3752.  Registration is now open!

Location: Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, 94301 Directions to Palo Alto High School

Join Master Gardeners Joan Cloutier and Larry Speth for a talk about growing vegetables in containers.   Every type of containers will be covered and other topics include:  what soils to use; what plants to grow and not to grow; how to water and fertilize; dealing with pests and diseases; and comparisons to in-ground growing.    Followed by question and answer session. 

 

Location:

Morgan Hill Branch Library, 660 West Main Avenue, Morgan Hill, 95037

Directions to Morgan Hill Branch Library

Yes, January means pruning,  it really does.  Come join us for a free MetroED World Garden Workshop, Pruning Fruit Trees, presented by Master Gardener Allen Buchinski.  We will learn about pruning different types of fruit trees, why, how and when to prune for both structure, shape and fruit production.  Allen volunteers his skill at the Emma Prusch Park Farm's High Density Fruit Orchard where the trees are kept small and at a reduced height to make harvesting ladder-free!

We will either use the auditorium or post the room number on that door.

Free but registration required.  To sign up, please phone the school office during regular business hours (8:30-4:30 M-F, closed for holiday 12/19- 1/3/10 and no one answers phones on workshop days!), (408) 723-6450 or email ritab@metroed.net

Presentation (PDF available) based on 10 Basics of When and How to Prune Fruit Trees (PDF), by Paul Vossen, Farm Advisor Sonoma & Marin Counties, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Location: Erikson Adult Ed Center, 4849 Pearl Ave., San Jose, 95136 Directions to Erikson Adult Ed Center

Gardening year round is easy and rewarding in our mild Mediterranean
climate. Learn how to have a successful, environmentally responsible
food garden that provides delicious vegetables and herbs every month of
the year. This course stresses sustainable gardening practices such as
mulching, efficient watering methods, on-site composting,integrated pest
management, and use of organic fertilizers and soil amendments.

Topics include: soil preparation, amendments, and fertilizers; irrigation
methods and systems; working with both seeds and seedlings; cultural
requirements of specific warm and cool season crops and varieties that
do well in our area; and how to identify and manage common pests, weeds,
and diseases of vegetable crops in Santa Clara County.

The class meets on 6 consecutive Tuesdays, Jan 18 - Feb 22, 2011, from 7-9 p.m.

Call 408-866-2104 to register or visit http://www.ci.campbell.ca.us/Recreation/communitycenter.

Location:

Campbell Community Center, 1 West Campbell Avenue, Campbell 95008

Directions to Campbell Community Center

Gardening year round is easy and rewarding in our mild Mediterranean
climate. Learn how to have a successful, environmentally responsible
food garden that provides delicious vegetables and herbs every month of
the year. This course stresses sustainable gardening practices such as
mulching, efficient watering methods, on-site composting, integrated
pest management, and use of organic fertilizers and soil amendments.

Topics include:soil preparation, amendments, and fertilizers;
irrigation methods and systems; working with both seeds and seedlings;
cultural requirements of specific warm and cool season crops and
varieties that do well in our area; and how to identify and manage
common pests, weeds, and diseases of vegetable crops in Santa Clara
County.

This class meets on six consecutive Tuesday evenings, January 19 - February 23 from 7 - 9 p.m.

To register, call 408-866-2104 or visit www.ci.campbell.ca.us/Recreation/communitycenter  Registration opens in early January.

Location: Campbell Community Center, 1 West Campbell Avenue, Campbell, 95008 Directions to Campbell Community Center

Learn from UC Master Gardeners how to care for roses so that they will thrive in your garden.  January is the best time of year to prune roses in Santa Clara County.  Potted plants will be used to aid in demonstration.  You'll also learn about more local hands-on opportunities to improve your rose care expertise.   Bring your questions! 

Location:

West Valley Branch Library, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San Jose, 95117

Directions to West Valley Library

While waiting for the weather to get warm enough for spring planting, why not sign up for a pruning workshop in the Historic Orchard at Guadalupe River Park & Gardens?  This is the perfect time to prune (and plant) fruit trees.  Tools, techniques and basic pruning concepts will be taught by Sean McGrail, Pruning Specialist and Landscaper.   You will get to practice what you’ve learned -  and support the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens! -  by helping prune different varieties of fruit trees.  The Historic Orchard is a 3.3-acre site planted in 1994 to showcase the varieties of fruit trees that once made the Santa Clara valley famous as “The Valley of Heart’s Delight”.  It is located in Guadalupe Gardens just south of Taylor Street and adjacent to the River Park trails.  The orchard contains over 250 fruit trees, including cherries, apricots, prunes, apples, and more. It is maintained by dedicated volunteers.   Meet in the orchard, dress in layers, bring water and your sharp and clean pruners! 

Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by
contacting us at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657 or by sending a check to: Friends of Guadalupe River
Park & Gardens,438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110. Visa and
MasterCard are also accepted via phone or mail.  For more information, please call 408-298-7657.

Location: Guadalupe River Park and Gardens, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose 95110 Directions to Guadalupe River Park & Garden

Gardening year round is easy and rewarding in our mild Mediterranean
climate. Learn how to have a successful, environmentally responsible
food garden that provides delicious vegetables and herbs every month of
the year. This course stresses sustainable gardening practices such as
mulching, efficient watering methods, on-site composting, integrated
pest management, and use of organic fertilizers and soil amendments.

Topics include:soil preparation, amendments, and fertilizers;
irrigation methods and systems; working with both seeds and seedlings;
cultural requirements of specific warm and cool season crops and
varieties that do well in our area; and how to identify and manage
common pests, weeds, and diseases of vegetable crops in Santa Clara
County.

This class meets on six consecutive Saturday mornings, January 23 - February 27 from 10:00 a.m. - noon.

To register, call 408-268-1133.  Registration opens in December. 

Location: Almaden Branch Library, Directions to Almaden Branch Library

Master Gardener Allen Buchinski, lead for the high density fruit tree orchard at Prusch Park, will be talking about and demonstrating Fruit Tree Pruning at the Sunnyvale Teaching and Demonstration Garden.  We'll meet in the Growing Circle and move around the garden with the demonstrations on apple, plum, nectarine trees and possibly others.  See also http://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu for great information on fruit tree care, including pruning.

Location: Charles Street Community Garden, 433 Charles Street Sunnyvale 94086 Directions to Charles Street Community Garden

Learn simple techniques of sustainable gardening to create and maintain a beautiful, low-water ornamental garden that will be attractive year-round while respecting and protecting the environment. Topics include caring for the soil, using efficient irrigation and choosing the right plant for the right place. The course will also cover basic design concepts, non-toxic pest management and season-appropriate chores to keep your garden looking its very best. 

This class meets on six  Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., January 25 - March 8. There is no class on February 15. 

Register online at http://ace.fuhsd.org or call 408-522-2700.

Location: Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, 1279 Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road, Sunnyvale, 94087  Directions to Fremont High School in Sunnyvale

This is the perfect time to plant fruit trees from "bare root" stock.   What is bare root?  How do you find and select the best trees?  What is the recommended way to plant - including when and how to prune initially?   The answer to that might surprise you!  Come learn about these topics and much more from master gardeners and also learn about fruit tree varieties that do best in our area.   Espalier techniques will be discussed if there is time.  See also homeorchard.ucdavis.edu for information on Home Orchards. 

Location: Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, 94022 Directions to Los Altos Library

So many choices, so little space!  Come join Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, Master Gardener Nancy Garrison and Pruning Specialist and Landscaper Sean McGrail to learn about some of the best fruit trees and varieties for our area for fruit quality, flavor and ease of growing.  Take advantage of the years of experience Nancy Garrison has collected as the local Small Farm Advisor, the first Master Gardener Program Coordinator and currently as Chairperson of the California Rare Fruit Growers – Santa Clara Valley and “All Things Edible” Garden Consultant.  Immediately following Nancy’s presentation will be a hands-on planting demonstration with Sean McGrail in the Historic Orchard.  He will cover site selection, drainage and the pruning and training of young fruit trees.  This class is a must for the Home Orchardist.  Meet at the Visitor & Education Center.  

Registration is required and space is limited, so reserve your spot early by contacting us at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657 or by sending a check to: Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens,438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted via phone or mail.  For more information, please call 408-298-7657.

Location: Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose 95110 Directions to Guadalupe River Park & Garden

Master Gardener Nancy Garrison, local fruit guru, discusses how to work fruit trees into your garden no matter how large or small.  She will covers the best
varieties for our area, companion planting and basic fruit tree care. 
This class likely to sell out so register early by phone.

Classes are outdoors in a covered area.  Dress warmly and consider bringing a cushion for your chair.  Fee is $20, which is rebated as credit on merchandise.  Early prepaid registration is suggested as many classes sell out.  Walk-ins are allowed only if space is still available.  Classes last between 1 and 2 hours. 

Call Yamagami's Nursery at 408-252-3347 to register. 

Location: Yamagami's Nursery, 1361 S. De Anza Blvd., 95014 Directions to Yamagami's Nursery

Come and learn how to plan your warm season (summer) vegetable garden, how to prepare the soil, how to start seeds indoors and when to plant.  Handouts on a list of Master Gardeners'
Warm Season Vegetable favorites will be available (recommended varieties that do well in our area - and that we love to eat!)  Seeds will be given free to attendees.

Location: Evergreen Branch Library, 2635 Aborn Rd., San Jose 95121 Directions to Evergreen Branch Library