Session D

Rose pruning makes larger flowers and invigorates plant and shoot growth. Learn proper dormant and fall bloom pruning techniques from Master Consulting Rosarian, Baldo Villegas, including his 3 minute pruning technique that is sure to change the way you prune roses. As a successful rose exhibitor Villegas knows what to do to get award winning blooms through proper pruning.

Soil health refers to the level of continuing capability of a soil ecosystem to sustain the life forms that depend upon it. Soil health considerations include physical, chemical, and biological elements. Join Dr. James J. Stapleton as he discusses human management practices that have a great influence on the health of soil.

Join Karrie Reid, Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension San Joaquin County as she takes a holistic approach to converting a traditional high-water use landscape to a beautiful and gratifying water-efficient garden. Attendees will be taken step-by-step through converting spray heads to drip without ripping up the entire yard, and walked through other ways to be water-efficient throughout the entire landscape. Come away with the basic tools needed to convert your own garden, or to teach others these concepts.

Having a display of common ‘good bugs” and ‘bad bugs’ is very useful during outreach events. Come learn how to pin insects and make your own insect collection! Participants will learn the basics of catching and preserving insects and other arthropods, and get hands-on experience pinning insects. Attendees will even get a ‘starter kit’ to take home to continue building your program’s collection of insects common in your area. Bring at least 10 good sized dead insect specimens, so you can practice pinning. Some insects and other pinning materials will be provided. (This is a duplicate session.)

Areas of California that frequently have temperatures below freezing have a climate which affords gardeners the unique opportunity to grow a variety of cold hardy rare fruit. Join Tom Del Hotal, (horticulturist) as he talks about many of the uncommon fruiting plants gardeners can enjoy in the colder areas of California.

Join Dr. Jim Sproul as he discusses creating new roses. Dr. Sproul describes the creation of new roses, by rose hybridizing or rose breeding, as “a practice into which one enters with awe and anticipation.” Rose hybridizing has been a hobby that Dr. Sproul has enjoyed for the last 25 years. It is a journey into which he has set out to find unique roses. It is a journey, however, without a true destination, for it is along the path that new roses will be found. Join Dr. Sproul on the path to new roses.

Join UC Coorperative Extension Enviromental Horticulture Advisor of San Mateo-San Francisco counties Dr. Igor Lacan as he discusses the importance of urban tree diversity and planting the right tree. A broader diversity of trees is needed in our urban landscapes to guard against the possibility of large-scale devastation by both native and introduced insects and disease. We will discuss some ideas to help home gardeners with their tree selection.

The phone rings…it’s the news media, what do you do? Working with the media can seem overwhelming, but learning how to work with reporters can reduce anxiety and enhance our outreach. Join Assistant Director of News and Information Outreach for UC Agriculture Natural Resources, Pam-Kan Rice, as she discusses how to prepare for working with the media. In print or live on camera, Pam will discuss considerations for different kinds of media, how to communicate clearly and deliver messages to your audience through the news media.

Toni Gattone’s educational and inspiring ‘how-to’ seminar is designed for baby boomer gardeners and gardeners of any ages who find their mobility limitations keep them from fully enjoying working in their gardens. Her talk is filled with dozens of tips and techniques how to make small changes that will make a big difference in your garden. Toni shows gardeners how they can adapt their own tools at home or replace them with the latest ergonomic tools that will make gardening easier on their body. (This is a duplicate session.)