Happy Holidays and Happy Winter Solstice! 

I love when the winter solstice comes because it means that we will be through the shortest day of the year.  It means that now the days will begin to get longer and there will more time in the day for gardening!  But seriously, as the end of the year rolls around, I want to take a moment to thank you all for your terrific volunteer efforts for the UC Master Gardener Program. 

You have accomplished so much in your counties in reaching the public about sustainable landscape and gardening practices, raised money to support your programs and worked diligently to record all those hours in VMS J.  We so appreciate the over 7 million dollars in value that your donated time is worth to UC. 

Without you, we would not have contacted over 3 million people this year, written countless articles, taught more than 400 classes and hands-on workshops or helped thousands of individuals solve their home garden problems at the helpdesk. 

Thank you for the gift of your time.  It makes a difference in the lives of many Californians.

I personally want to wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and a productive, fruitful new year.  Warmest regards,

Pam Geisel,  Director

Statewide Master Gardener Program