Events

Join Master Gardeners for a discussion of fall vegetable gardening and easy seed starting so you can enjoy a bounty of fresh vegetables all winter long.

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

Join Master Gardener Laura Westley as she teaches you all about growing herbs in Santa Clara county.  We'll learn about annual and perennial herbs, and which herbs to grow in what season. We'll take a look at some old favorites, and introduce you to some new ones as well.

See our website, http://mastergardeners.org/spring-garden-market/herbs, for a great list of 40 herbs you can grow! 

Location:

Evergreen Library, 2635 Aborn Road, San Jose 95148

Directions to Evergreen Branch Library

Join us for a talk on bulbs, both ornamental and edible.  We will talk about the many bulbs that do well in our Mediterranean climate - flowering bulbs from South Africa and other Mediterranean climates as well as California Natives.   We will also give tips on growing garlic, onions and shallots - now is the time to plant these bulbs as well as flowering bulbs!

Followed by Open Garden in the vegetable/flower garden and the waterwise garden.

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

Our annual fall vegetable seedling sale will get you off to a great start with your fall/winter garden!  Drop by our booth, select your vegetable starts, and enjoy the day at the Prusch Harvest Festival.  Come early for best selection.

We are also hosting childrens' activities, a "Brag Table" of produce and flowers, and an information booth with master gardeners ready to answer all your gardening questions.  See http://www.pruschfarmpark.org/harvest-festival for info on the Prush Harvest Festival. 

Click here http://www.mastergardeners.org/events/2010/fall-vegetable-seedling-sale-... for a list of vegetables (and varieties) we're selling. 

Location: 647 S King Rd, San Jose 95116 Directions to Prusch Farm Park

Sheet composting - also called Lasagna Bed Gardening - is eco-friendly and easy.  It is a no-dig, no-till organic gardening method that results in rich, fluffy soil with very little work from the gardener.   The name "lasagna gardening" has nothing to do with what you'll be growing in this garden.  It refers to the method of building thegarden bed, which is to add layers to organic materials that "cook down" over time.  

Followed by Grand Rounds in the garden.

Location: Sunnyvale Teaching and Demonstration Garden, Charles Street Community Garden, 433 Charles Street, Sunnyvale 94086 (near Charles and Olive) Directions to Sunnyvale Teaching and Demonstration Garden

Hold a snake, touch a toad, and meet hawks, owls and other animals!  Join master gardeners
at the Youth Science Institute’s Wildlife Festival. Food and fun
throughout the day. Families can participate in wildlife programs,
hands-on science activities and crafts.

This is a great place to see flying raptors, slithering snakes and other
cool birds and reptiles close-up. In addition to the extensive
collection of live and preserved animals housed at the facility, the
trained YSI experts will lead nature walks, give hands-on demonstrations
and present a beautiful collection of nature-related crafts.

Back-by-popular demand, the festival will include a live animal presentation called
"Falconry Through the Ages." More than 15 environmental organizations
will provide educational exhibits for this ever-popular event. The lush
environment of Alum Rock park provides an extra bonus to attendees as
there is so much to do in the vicinity around the Science and Nature
Center. It's a great place to bring family and friends!

Admission is free, but there is suggested donation of $5/family.
There is a $6.00/vehicle fee to enter Alum Rock City Park
The event will be held rain or shine.

Location:

Alum Rock Park, 16240 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose 95127

Directions to Alum Rock Park

UC Master Gardener and lavender expert Bekah Dubois will provide a general introduction to the myriad uses of lavender. Just prior to the rainy season is the perfect time to plant lavender, which makes this a perfect time to learn about lavender and its special culinary and craft uses. Topics also include lavender types by intended uses, growing habits, how to plant lavender, soils needed, and proper nutrition for this fragrant crop. Bekah will give informative downloads from her laptop to those who bring USB drives. Free. No reservations required.

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

A great fall festival!  Kids of all ages will enjoy a scarecrow making contest, the giant pumpkin patch, fresh apple cider, a children's concert and lots of free kid's activities.  For more info, see http://www.grpg.org/PIP.shtml

Drop by the master gardener booth and say hi!  We are also featuring hands-on children's activities and an info booth for all your gardening questions.

Location:

Discovery Meadow, Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, Woz Way at San Carlos Street, San Jose 95110

Directions to Discovery Meadow at Guadalupe River Park & Gardens

Master Gardener Laura Monczynski's talk will focus on our native soil and how to make the most of it with sustainable practices in the garden.

People who wish to attend are asked to reserve a seat in advance by either phoning the Erikson Adult Ed Center during regular business hours at (408) 723-6450 or by emailing ritab@metroed.net

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

Join the Health Trust at the annual Open Air Health Fair at the Berryessa Flea Market.  Drop by the Master Gardener booth to say hi - bring all your gardening questions, and take part in our fun children's activites.

The Health Trust provides free and low-cost services including flu shots, cholesterol and diabestes testing, blood pressure screening and dental screening and treatments. Also, there will be exercise & fitness opportunities, games and activities for kids, many community organizations and services to learn about, and information about college and university. 

For more info, see the Health Trust website at http://www.healthtrust.org/services/oahf.php or email info@healthtrust.org or call 408-559-9385. 

The Health Fair takes place Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 from noon - 5 p.m.

Location:

Berryessa Flea Market, 1590 Berryessa Rd., San Jose 95133

Directions to Berryessa Flea Market

The Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley is hosting its 9th Annual Wildlife Awareness Day: Walk on the Wide Side. Featured are presentatios with education animals and offer a limited number of small tours of the wildlife rehabilitation areas.  It addition, there will be educational/information booths and live animal booths hosted by participating partners, including the Master Gardeners.  Fun, hands-on wildlife-oriented activities for children are also featured. Drop by the Master Gardeners and say hi!

Location:

Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, 3027 Penitencia Creek Road San Jose, CA 95132.

Directions to the Wildlife Center

This course is designed to acquaint the home gardener with a basic understanding of how seeds are formed and how to prevent cross-pollination as it relates to seed saving. Master Gardener Janet Waagen will discuss specific seed saving techniques, including when to harvest and how to process seed. Proper storage techniques will also be given for many common vegetables.

Location:

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

Directions to West Valley Library

Join Santa Clara Audubon Society, the Master Gardeners & over 20 other environmental groups to
celebrate nature & wildlife. Activities include birdhouse & bird
feeder building, a scavenger hunt, educational presentations, & a
wildlife poster contest. Live animal attractions include birds,
reptiles, & sharks.

SCVAS will hold a guided shorebird walk at Charleston Slough in
Mountain View’s Baylands at 8:00 AM. After the walk, participants will
caravan to the Wildlife Education Day in Cupertino. RSVP required for
walk ONLY: contact programs@scvas.org or call (408) 252-3740.

Location: McClellan Ranch Park, 22221 McClellan Rd., Cupertino 95014 Directions to McClellan Ranch Park

Would you like to have a healthy, lush green lawn while using less
water, fertilizers and herbicides?  Or have you been thinking about
replacing all or part of your lawn?

Switching to Sustainable Lawn Care is easy and you might also be
surprised how easy it is to replace your lawn - you do not need to dig
it all up! And there are a wide variety of replacements, from
groundcovers and native grasses that mimic the look of a lawn to
waterwater landscapes, edible gardens and meadows. Join Master Gardener
Marianne Mueller for a talk about lawn care ... and options for
replacing the lawn. A significant portion of the time will be devoted to
Q&A about participants' challenges.

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

Learn about the tasks you can do now to take full advantage of the next gardening season. Includes a garden review, tips and tools, and demonstrations in the waterwise garden.  Check out our Plant Dictionary at http://mastergardeners.org/plant-dictionary for 50+ plants that we grow at the Palo Alto Demo Garden, how we tend them and how they do for us.

Followed by Open Garden in the vegetable/flower garden and waterwise garden.

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

Fall is the time to plant bulbs!  From daffodils and tulips and iris to bulbs from Mediterranean climate such as Amaryllis belladonna (Naked Lady), watsonia, chasmanthe and many others, to edible bulbs like garlic - join Master Gardener Philippa Alvis to learn all about how to plant and care for these wonderful spring bloomers. 

Location:

Metro Ed District's Erikson Adult Education Center, 4849 Pearl Ave., San Jose, 95136.

Directions to Erikson Adult Ed Center

Plant a crop to feed the soil this fall. Green manures, also known as cover crops, provide needed nutrients to the soil both while they are growing and when you chop them down and dig them into the soil after they start to bloom. This is a great way to prepare the soil for your spring planting. Come learn about the seeds to plant now to give this boost to your garden beds, and when and how to incorporate the plant matter into the soil.

Followed by Grand Rounds in the garden.

Location: Sunnyvale Teaching and Demonstration Garden, Charles St. Community Garden near Charles & Olive, 433 Charles St., Sunnyvale 94086 Directions to Sunnyvale Teaching and Demonstration Garden

Would you like to have a healthy, lush green lawn while using less water, fertilizers and herbicides?  Or have you been thinking about replacing all or part of your lawn?

Switching to Sustainable Lawn Care is easy and you might also be surprised how easy it is to replace your lawn - you do not need to dig it all up! And there are a wide variety of replacements, from groundcovers and native grasses that mimic the look of a lawn to waterwater landscapes, edible gardens and meadows. Join Master Gardener Marianne Mueller for a talk about lawn care ... and options for replacing the lawn. A significant portion of the time will be devoted to Q&A about participants' challenges.

Location:

Berryessa Library, 3355 Noble Ave., San Jose 95132

Directions to Berryessa Library

UC Master Gardener David Peterson will demonstrate the particulars of the unique Mediterranean climate that occurs in only a few places on the globe. Our Bay Area is one of these rare climates.He will discuss the reasons why Mediterranean plants and California natives are ideal for our summer-dry area gardens. Plants adapted to our climate are also drought tolerant and less "fussy" in upkeep.

Other topics include California native plants, maps of area soil type, correct watering, and how to care for your newly planted Mediterranean or native stock. He has prepared interesting handouts with plant lists for attendees.

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

Join us for a talk on bulbs that do well in our Mediterranean climate -
flowering bulbs from South Africa and other Mediterranean climates as
well as California Natives.   We will also give tips on growing garlic,
onions and shallots - now is the time to plant these bulbs as well as
flowering bulbs!

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

Roses ... learn how to prune and care for your roses when they are dormant. We will cover the basics of rose care and show you how to prune to get the best results.  

Followed by Open Garden in the vegetable/flower beds and in the waterwise garden.  

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

The Master Gardeners will host a Centerpiece Workshop at the annual Heritage Holiday at History San Jose.  The day is full of entertainment, children's activities, great food and much more - please see http://historysanjose.org for information on the day's many activities. 

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

Come join us for a library talk on Pruning Fruit Trees presented by Master Gardener Allen Buchinski. We will learn about pruning different types of fruit trees and why, how and when to prune for both structure, shape and fruit productions. Allen volunteers his skills at the Emma Prusch Farm Park's High Density Fruit Orchard where the trees are kept small and at a reduced height to make harvesting ladder-free! Come learn all his tricks and how to apply them to your yard.

Check out the UC guide to the California Backyard Orchard, http://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu for info on growing fruit and nut trees.

You may be interested to come to the California Rare Fruit Growers' Scion Exchange.  Scion is the fruit wood that you graft onto an existing tree and many cuttings are exchanged for free or sold for nominal cost.  The Scion Exchange is Saturday, Jan 15, 2011, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (10 a.m. for CRFG members) at Prusch Park (Multi-Cultural Center and Meeting Hall) at the intersection of Story and King Roads in San Jose (entrance is off King Road). Grafting demo at 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Some rootstocks and grafting supplies for sale. Free to all; Donations are welcome.  See the California Rare Fruit Growers website for info, http://www.crfg.org

Location: Berryessa Library, 3355 Noble Ave., San Jose 95132 Directions to Berryessa Library

It's time now to think about pruning roses.  Come see a demonstration on how to prune roses and to learn about good growing practices for our area.

Followed by Grand Rounds in the garden. 

Location: Sunnyvale Teaching and Demonstration Garden, at the Charles St. Community Garden near Charles & Olive, 433 Charles St., Sunnyvale 94086 Directions to Sunnyvale Library

This annual workshop is so popular we've added an additional time slot. (Workshops are 10:00 a.m. - noon and 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

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 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.

Space is limited (and these are popular workshops!) - please reserve your spot early by signing up online at http://www.grpg.org/Education.shtml#Wreath, or by sending email to education@grpg.org or by calling 408-298-7657.

Location:

Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose 95110.

Directions to Guadalupe River Park & Garden

Join Master Gardener Bader Kudsi for a workshop on grafting fruit trees! Save money by learning how to graft multiple varieties of fruit onto your own backyard fruit trees.  Bader Kudsi will teach gardeners of all skill levels about the basics of grafting: how to select, prepare and store scion material; where to place a greaft; and how to make a graft on a fruit tree. Grafting fruit trees is a great way to extend your harvest.

Please reserve a seat in advance if you  plan to attend, space is limited! Call (408) 723-6450 during regular business hours or email ritab@metroed.net

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

This annual workshop is so popular we've added an additional time slot.
(Workshops are 10:00 a.m. - noon and 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

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 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.

Space is limited (and these are popular workshops!) - please reserve your spot early by signing up online at http://www.grpg.org/Education.shtml#Wreath, or by sending email to education@grpg.org or by calling 408-298-7657.

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