Master Gardener Philippa Alvis offers timely information for selecting bulbs to grace the garden with color in spring. Now is the time to plant\, but where an how? Learn the cultural needs of daffodils\, crocus\, tulips and everything bulb\, including '\;winter forcing'\; techniues for an indoor bouquet in December. Instruction includes bed preparation\, fertilizing needs\, sun and water requirements and sources where you can purchase your favorite varieties.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE:20081119T132804Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20081120T020000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20081120T030000Z UID:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/572 URL;VALUE=URI:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/572 SUMMARY:Using recycled items - Art in the Garden DESCRIPTION:Master Gardeners will present fresh ways to look at preserving objects destined for our public landfill. From broken concrete - "\;urbanite"\; - that you can use to build raised beds to trellises constructed of previously-used materials -- there are dozens of ways you can both save items from going to the landfill and beautify your garden at the same time. The purpose of the class is to promote recycling while creating a sense of whimsey and beauty in your garden.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE:20081119T132804Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20081126T023000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20081126T033000Z UID:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/562 URL;VALUE=URI:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/562 SUMMARY:Getting Ready to Plant Bare-Root Fruit Trees in January DESCRIPTION:January is the time to plant fruit trees and other plants such as\: berries\; rhubarb\; shade trees\; roses\; onions\; asparagus and more! These\, and many other perennial plants\, are sold as bare-root plants. What does that mean? Master Gardener Roberta Barnes will describe the best practives in finding\, choosing and planting various bare-root plants.
Why plant fruit trees at home? Some reasons are\:
* The advantage of having tree-ripened fruit in your own yard. (It'\;s not possible to get ripe peaches\, for example\, in the supermarket.)
* The ability to grow the tastiest varieties\, many of which are not available in the supermarkets because they are not grown by commercial growers.
* The freedom to select varieties that will give fruit many months out of the year.
The best way to plant a fruit tree is to plant a bare-root tree in January. Come learn how easy and fun it is! The technique of espaliered fruit trees will also be discussed. And check out http\://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu!
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE:20081119T132804Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20081206T180000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20081206T190000Z UID:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/443 URL;VALUE=URI:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/443 SUMMARY:Dormant Pruning of Ornamentals and Fruit Trees DESCRIPTION:Join experienced Master Gardeners who will show you the best techniques for dormant pruning.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE:20081119T132804Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20081206T190000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20081207T010000Z UID:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/582 URL;VALUE=URI:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/582 SUMMARY:Heritage Holiday at History San Jose DESCRIPTION:
Master Gardeners will present two wreath-making workshops\: at 1\:00
p.m.\, Holiday Centerpieces\; at 3 p.m.\, Succulent Wreaths. We provide
the materials and know-how needed to create your very own stunning
holiday centerpieces and wreaths that you take home\; we emphasize how
to create "\;green"\; wreaths by using sustainable materials and
techniques.
Craft and science workshops for children\; trolley and handcart rides\; face-painting\; watercolor painting demo\; visiting with Santa\; and concerts and singalongs with carolers\, choirs and even marimba groups are some of what you will enjoy at the Heritage Holiday fair! Shop for unusual and distinctive gifts at the museum gift shop or have your antiques appraised by a local expert. Enjoy the Village Harvest food tasting\, honey tasting and artisinal food and drinks.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE:20081119T132804Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20081213T200000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20081213T220000Z UID:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/576 URL;VALUE=URI:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/576 SUMMARY:Grafting Fruit Trees DESCRIPTION:Master Gardener Bader Kudsi will teach gardeners of all skill levels how to graft different varieties of fruit trees. Grafting involves joining two genetically distinct plants so that they unite to continue growth as a single plant. A short section of a shoot taken from the type of fruit tree that you want to grow is inserted into a limb or trunk of a seedling tree - the rootstock. The rootstocks have desirable characteristics that make them preferable to growing a tree on its own roots.
Some species cannot be propagated by techniques known as cutting or layering\, but can be propagated by grafting. You can also graft several varieties onto one rootstock\, and the resulting tree will bear several varieties of fruit!
See also the University of California guide for home orchards at http\://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu
To sign up for the workshop please contact RitaB@metroed.net or call the MetroEd office\, Monday through Friday during business hours\, at 408-723-6450.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE:20081119T132804Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20090108T020000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20090108T040000Z UID:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/560 URL;VALUE=URI:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/560 SUMMARY:Sustainable Vegetable Gardening DESCRIPTION: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 once a week for six weeks\, on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.\: January 7\, 14\, 21\, 28 and March 4 and 11\, 2009. Note that the class does not meet in February.
Register at http\://www.paadultschool.org or phone 650-329-3752.
END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE:20081119T132804Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20090110T170000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20090110T190000Z UID:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/577 URL;VALUE=URI:http://www.mastergardeners.org/node/577 SUMMARY:Pruning Fruit Trees DESCRIPTION:Pruning fruit trees is always a popular topic! Pruning will\:
*Control tree'\;s size for easier care in maintaining and picking fruit
* Increase strength - develop strong limb structure
* Distribute sunlight evenly throughout tree
* Regulate fruit bearing - remove excess fruitwood
* Renew fruitwood - continue strong buds and flowers
* Remove undesirable wood - dead\, broken and crossing branches
The
best time of year to prune fruit trees is the dormant season\,
December\, January (best) and until the middle of February\, but note
summer schedule for Apricots.
See also the University of California guide for home orchards at http\://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu
The workshop is free but registration is required. Please register by contacting RitaB@metroed.net or calling 408-723-6450 from Monday through Friday during business hours.
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