Events

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

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

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

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

Learn how to increase the varieties of vegetables and plants you can grow in your home garden by starting your own seeds.  There are many more choices available in seed packets than are offered as live plants.  Save money, have fun and grow enough to share with friends and neighbors.  Master Gardener Laura Monczynski will lead us through the process of sowing seeds, nurturing the seedlings, and how to transplant and pot up your new plants!  

Attendees are asked to sign up prior to the workshop by phoning our office during regular business hours at (408) 723-6450 or by emailing ritab@metroed.net.  Please note, the phones will not be answered on weekends.

Location: Erikson Adult ED Center, 4849 Pearl Ave., San Jose 95136; Room number to be posted.

The key to a successful garden is soil preparation appropriate to the plants you plan to grow.  This workshop will discuss how to support the soil ecosystem and physical structure that will ensure the health of your plants.   Learn about soil amendments, fertilizers, and mulches for ornamentals and vegetables from Master Gardener Candace Simpson.  Topics include: cover crops to improve soil, fertility and texture; and proper digging technique to keep soil healthy.

The workshop starts at 10 a.m. and is followed by demonstrations in the garden. 

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

This class is full - but you can sign up for the class on Sustainable Vegetable Gardening that runs from Tuesday, March 23 - April 27 in Campbell.   Please see the March 23 listing for details.

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 Wednesday evenings, February 10 - March 17 from 7 -  9 p.m. 

To register, send email to education@grpg.org or call 408-298-7657.  Registration is now open!

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

UC Masters Gardeners will present speaker Jerry Georgette, RN, MSN who is in charge of the outstanding Veterans Administration Memorial Rose Garden in Palo Alto.  This will be a "nuts and bolts" discussion describing what steps it took to create the garden and how it is maintained entirely with volunteers. Topics include: how much upkeep is required; making the garden accessible to handicapped; and general upkeep.  Georgette will illustrate the talk with a slide show of his beautiful rose photographs.  No reservations needed.

Location: Gamble Garden, 431 Waverley Street, Palo Alto, 94301 Directions to Gamble Garden

Growing orchids is easier than you think!  UC Master Gardener David Giroux is an orchid expert who will discuss varieties of orchids as well as share tips on maintaining healthy, beautiful orchids in your home and garden.  Bring your problem orchids to the talk for his diagnosis and advice.

Location: West Valley Branch Library (San Jose libraries), 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San Jose, 95117 Directions to West Valley Library

Learn which varieties of peaches, nectarines, plums, pluots, apricots,
apples and pears are the delight of connoisseurs from Master Gardener Nancy Garrison.  Be introduced to the
best of the best-tasting deciduous fruits that grow in this area and
learn where to find and buy your own plants.

To register call 650-493-6072 or go to http://fruittreevarieties.eventbrite.com/

Location: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center, 559 College Ave., Palo Alto 94306

Join Master Gardener Vera Kark for a talk about gifts that can come from the garden - in addition to fruits and veggies, there are canned fruits, preserves, pickles, dried herbs, flower arrangements, note cards, honey, eggs ... and a sanctuary.   And we can give gifts back to the garden with our care, mulching, pruning and singing to your plants!

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

Master Gardener Jack Kay will describe and demonstrate how to grow and prune blueberries.  Jack has been successfully growing many different varieties of blueberries at his home.  We'll meet in the Growing Circle, and the master gardener blueberry bed is adjacent to it.

Location:

Master Gardener Sunnyvale Teaching and Demonstration Garden, located in the Charles Street Community Garden, 433 Charles Street, Sunnyvale, 94086

Directions to Charles Street Community Garden

Please join Master Gardeners Mary Collins and Bruce Gravens as they teach you all about Growing Tomatoes and Peppers in the Bay Area.  These Master Gardeners are in charge of growing all the Tomatoes and Peppers for our annual Spring Garden Market in April, so they are the experts!  

The history, selection, planting and care of your Peppers and Tomatoes will be covered.  There will be a demonstration on planting tomatoes, and tomato cages will also be discussed and shown in class.  Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to grow delicious peppers and tomatoes this summer!

And - please visit our Spring Garden Market on April 10 at History San Jose, where you can stock up on tomatoes and peppers (and other vegetables, flowers and herbs) lovingly grown from seed by master gardeners.  We offer over 80 varieties of heirloom tomatoes and over 100 varieties of peppers, from sweet to mild to hot to extremely hot!   See http://mastergardeners.org/sgm for more details.

Location:

Berryessa Library, 3355 Noble Ave, San Jose, 95132

Directions to Berryessa Branch Library

Come to a talk to learn about graywater irrigation. Graywater is
water from your shower, clothes washer and bathroom sink that is
re-used efficiently for landscape.  Master Gardener Deva Luna will discuss different systems and how easy and safe graywater use can be.

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