Spring 2026 Workshops
February
Registration will be available by January 15, 2026
Seasonal Garden Series—Winter
Saturday, February 7
Chapman Park Teaching Garden, 30 people
About the Seasonal Garden Series
Pollinator Gardens NEW
Monday, February 9, 1–2:30pm
Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 50 people
Create and conserve habitat for our all-important pollinators! Because of their critical contribution to plant reproduction and diversity, pollinating species (insects and other invertebrates) are considered keystone indicators of environmental health. Join a local expert from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to learn how to attract and retain pollinators such as bumble bees, native bees, and Monarch butterflies to your garden.
Choosing and Preparing your Flower Garden NEW
Wednesday, February 11, 11:30am–1:30pm
Pat’s Barn, 30 people
This workshop will help you get started with the flower garden of your dreams or sharpen and hone the flower gardening skills you already have. From the fundamentals of flower garden planning through site selection and preparation, seed starting, propagating, and a number of different growing techniques—we’ve got it all covered.
Pollinator Gardens NEW
Wednesday, February 18, 11:30am–1:30pm
Pat’s Barn, 30 people
Because of their critical contribution to plant reproduction and diversity, pollinating species (insects and other invertebrates) are considered keystone indicators of environmental health. Learn how to attract and retain pollinators such as bumble bees, native bees, and Monarch butterflies by creating and conserving habitat for these all-important pollinators.
Native Plants
Saturday, February 21, 11am–12:30pm
Bradley 2 at The Social, 50 people
By using native plants, you can transform your garden into a more natural habitat that is not only beautiful, but also supports local ecosystems, conserves water, and reduces maintenance. In this workshop, you will learn some basic principles about gardening with natives and be introduced to some natives that do well in garden settings. Emphasis is on specific gardening practices that increase biodiversity and ecosystem function. Our local California Native Plant Society Garden Ambassador will provide a resource list and planting guide as part of this workshop.
Planting Techniques NEW
Wednesday, February 25, 11:30am–1:30pm
Pat’s Barn, 30 people
This class will cover what to plant in various situations, such as raised beds, pots, grow bags, and in the ground. We will discuss planting methods like square foot gardening and lasagna gardening, and explain different techniques for growing plants, such as seed starting, winter sowing in jugs, and soil blocking. Finally, we will consider such factors as budget, available space, and seasonal timing that can determine what to plant and how to plant it.
March
Registration will be available by February 1, 2026
Vegetable Gardening NEW
Thursday, March 12, 10am–noon
Demonstration Garden, 20 people
Growing your own food is satisfying, healthy, and delicious! This workshop focuses on selecting the best available site in your garden for growing vegetables; determining whether to plant in the ground or in raised beds; preparing the site; irrigation requirements; garden planning; and, finally, planting and maintenance of the garden.
Firewise NEW
Saturday March 21, 10am–noon
Bradley 2 at The Social, 50 people
April
Registration will be available by March 1, 2026
Fruit Tree Grafting NEW
Thursday, April 9, 10-11:30
Pat’s Barn, 30 people
Learn about the different methods of grafting fruit trees.The T-budding approach will be demonstrated on an apricot tree and the whip grafting approach will also be shown, if time allows.
Gophers Moles and Voles
Saturday, April 11, 10–11:30pm
Demonstration Garden, 25 people
There is nothing peskier than vertebrate pests in your garden. Join us to gain some knowledge about how to deal with these monsters that plague your yard. We will also have a Master Gardener available to show you exactly how to set gopher traps.
Seasonal Garden Series—Spring
Saturday, April 11
Chapman Park Teaching Garden, 30 people
About the Seasonal Garden Series
Year round Fruit Tree Care with Directional Pruning & Height Management
Saturday, April 18, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, 12 people
Tom Hansen will explain what to do throughout the year to keep your fruit trees healthy and ensure the best crops. His talk will cover pruning, irrigation, fertilizers, and cultural practices. Learn about the different fruit tree bearing habits and how those habits guide pruning decisions for regular bearing and good fruit size. This workshop will take place in the Demonstration Garden orchard in order to demonstrate and discuss the best way to prune various fruit trees. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers.
Tool Care
Tuesday, April 21, 3:30–4:45pm
Bradley 2 at The Social, 50 people
Do your favorite tools need some TLC, but you need help figuring out where to start? Join this interactive workshop to learn some techniques and good practices to extend the life of your tools and make them work harder for you. We'll also explore some more unusual garden tools to see if you want to upgrade your toolshed. Attendees can bring one garden tool for a preliminary assessment of any necessary repairs and information on how it can be better maintained.
May
Registration will be available by April 1, 2026
Irrigation
Saturday, May 2, 10–11:30pm
Demonstration Garden, 25 people
Drip irrigation is arguably the most efficient method of providing water to trees, crops, gardens, and landscapes. The surface drip irrigation system emitter was first developed in Israel, where the dry climate makes water conservation a necessity. This workshop will provide an overview of different options available for drip irrigation systems and how to install them. You will also learn how to troubleshoot and inspect your system, and how to make repairs when needed.
Weed ID
Wednesday, May 6, 12–1:30pm
Demonstration Garden, 25 people
This workshop explores the nature of weeds, and why it’s important to correctly identify which weeds you are battling. We’ll offer tools to help with this, including a hands-on practicum. Primary strategies for weed control are Integrated Pest Management methods; we’ll have a quick primer on chemical controls for when they are needed as a last resort.
Propagation
Thursday, May 7, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, 25 people
Learn the best time to propagate woody perennials and divide plants; how to select and make cuttings; the proper techniques for dividing plants; the best planting mediums to use; and how to plant cuttings and divided plants. Materials and techniques will be discussed and handouts will be provided.
Bats
Thursday, May 14, 10am-12pm
Pat’s Barn, 30 people
Bats! Learn everything you always wanted to know about these fascinating creatures from Dr. Shahroukh Mistry, an expert on bat biology. Dr. Mistry teaches in the biology department at Butte College, and his current research is on Acoustic Monitoring of Bat Diversity and Activity in Northern California, and Prehistoric Distribution of Extinct Vampire Bat Species. His great specialty, however, is making science, especially bat science, accessible, enjoyable, and fun.
Plant a Native Garden for the Birds
Monday, May 18, 10–11:30am
Pat’s Barn, 30 people
Don’t just plant a native plant garden, create a habitat that supports birds throughout the year. In this workshop we will discuss the bird species you can expect to attract year-round; the best plants for them; and how to arrange different types and sizes of plants in order to provide food, shelter, protection, and nesting sites. Ideally, a bird-friendly garden will be attractive to humans too. This presentation provides plenty of photos of the birds and plants, and will introduce you to a great plant selection tool. We will mention plant suppliers and native plant gardens worth a tour in the Chico area. We’ll also show examples of garden layouts pleasing to both birds and humans.
June
Registration will be available by May 1, 2026
Seasonal Garden Series—Summer
Saturday, June 6
Chapman Park Teaching Garden, 30 people
About the Seasonal Garden Series
About the Workshops
Registration
- Workshops are free—registration is required for all workshops.
- Participation is limited. Limit is indicated for each workshop.
- Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
- Heavy rain cancels outdoor workshops (unless noted); canceled workshops will be rescheduled.
Workshop Locations
- Bradley 2 at The Social 1400 W. 3rd St., Chico
- Chapman Park Teaching Garden, 775 E 16th Street, Chico
- Demonstration Garden: Patrick Ranch, 10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham
- Pat’s Barn, Patrick Ranch, 10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham
- Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway, Paradise
Questions? Need to cancel? Want to get on a Workshop Waiting List?
Please email us at anrmgbutte@ucanr.edu. Be sure to include your phone number in case we need to contact you.
Give a Gift to the UC Master Gardeners of Butte County
Gifts help support our workshops, the Demonstration Garden at Patrick Ranch, and Master Gardener community outreach projects in Butte County. Thank you! Your support is greatly appreciated!