Session B

Did you know that most tree ailments are not caused by diseases or insects? Non-living disorders such as too little or too much water, high heat, frost, pollution, not enough root space, topping, soil compaction, root damage due to nearby construction and other stressors can lead to unhealthy trees and even premature death.   Since prevention is always key, learn how to reduce the chances of losing a valuable tree before its too late.

As gardeners, we know that color is important, but why?  Learn about color theory and how gardeners can use harmonious color combinations to evoke feelings or influence state of being.  See color theory in action with displays from the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona and find inspiration for color and composition in your own landscape.  We’ll use unique desert plants and their flowers, leaves and textures to merge art and science during this class. 

Learn about the development and breeding of Dr. Jim Sproul’s unusual Hulthemia rose hybrids. After more than 15 years working with these unique hybrids, Sproul has developed a series of Hulthemias that have been named the Eyeconic® Roses which offer a unique flower form with a distinguishing central blotch characteristic of these beauties. The early hybrids are relatively maintenance-free in climates of the Western U.S. and Canada, however, Jim continues to work on improvements and is especially working toward more black spot tolerant selections.

Plan a new garden landscape, plant color and seasonality to update and enhance property value. Practice low maintenance gardening. Enjoy time in the outdoors instead of being a slave to mowing, sowing and growing chores. LandEscape will guide you through the dizzying array of new plants, outdoor materials, design choices, sources, and sites that can define an outdoor Landscaped Lifestyle. From the oldest trade secrets of best plants and practices to the newest introductions of green roof technology, pollinator gardening, the latest hardscape materials and mixed-use residential environments, this course will encourage everyone to relax into his or her own “LandEscape!”

The improper care of palms stems from a lack of knowledge about the unique physiology and needs of palms. Improve your knowledge of proper palm care practices by joining Dr. James Downer Horticulture and Plant Pathology Advisor with the UC Cooperative Extension in Ventura County as he highlights palm nutrition and management techniques to keep palms looking their best.

Learn the art of propagation from UC Davis Arboretum Nursery Manager Taylor Lewis. Topics include starting from seeds, rooting cuttings, and making divisions. Proper preparation of materials, choosing the right containers, the best tools, media choices, hardening off and rooting hormones are also covered. This session will take place in an outside classroom setting and offer hand-on activities. (This is a duplicate session.)

Why does my tree’s fruit production seem to move higher and higher each year? UC Cooperative Extension Farm and Horticulture Advisor in Sacramento County Chuck Ingels will discuss different ways to train fruit trees to keep small enough to reach from the ground or small ladder. Particular emphasis will be placed on fruit bushes and espalier training, which facilitate tree management and covering trees to exclude pests.

Join Karrie Reid, Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension San Joaquin County as she explores the evolving methods of the irrigation trials and their role in expanding the information available about plant water use in the landscape. Participants will come away with an understanding of the difference between drought-tolerance and low-water use, and the strategies that make for successful low-water gardening in the west. Beautiful landscapes and water-conservation can go hand in hand.