Workshops
View, download or print the Spring 2024 Workshop flyer.
About the Workshops
Registration and cancellations
- 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
- Pat’s Barn and the Demonstration Garden: Patrick Ranch, 10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham.
- Bradley 2 at The Social 1400 W. 3rd St., Chico
- Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway, Paradise
- Other locations: registered participants will receive an address via email several days before the workshop.
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.
Watch a Workshop
Missed a workshop? Videos of some past workshops can be found on our YouTube channel.
Like Our Workshops?
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!
April
Soil Health
Co-sponsored with OLLI
Wednesday, April 10, 3:30–4:45pm
Bradley 2 at The Social, limit 55 people
The 3 Most Important Things You Can Do in Your Garden
Want healthier plants, more nutritious food, and a waterwise garden? Would you like to learn what healthy soil microbes can do for you, and what you can do for them? These three simple processes are key: no till; no bare soil; and no herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. We'll show you how soil health, plant health, and people's health are all connected.
Irrigation—FULL
Wednesday, April 17, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, limit 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.
Succulents—FULL
Friday, April 19, 10:30am–12:00pm
Demonstration Garden, limit 25 people
Succulents do well in our Mediterranean climate because their thick, fleshy leaves retain water during long dry summers. Their striking and unusual appearance makes these plants great choices for ornamental gardens. This workshop focuses on the heat and water requirements of succulents, and covers types that are suitable for planting in the ground and in containers. We will include a tour of our new Succulent Garden and a discussion of the plants featured there.
Want to get on a Workshop Waiting List? Email us at anrmgbutte@ucanr.edu. Be sure to include your phone number in case we need to contact you.
Native Gardens for the Birds NEW—FULL
Wednesday, April 24, 12–1:30pm
Pat’s Barn, limit 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.
Want to get on a Workshop Waiting List? Email us at anrmgbutte@ucanr.edu. Be sure to include your phone number in case we need to contact you.
Composting—FULL
Friday, April 26, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, limit 25 people
Composting uses leaves, garden waste, and kitchen scraps to create wonderful soil-enriching compost. In this workshop we will discuss the different ways to create compost. Techniques range from simple to complex. We will explain the choices so that you can choose the style that best fits your resources and needs.
Fruit Tree Care—FULL
Saturday, April 27, 10–11:30am
Private residence in Paradise, limit 15 people
Tom Hansen will explain what to do throughout the year to keep your fruit trees healthy and ensure the best crops. Tom has more than 50 fruit trees growing at his home and has worked as an orchard manager. His talk will cover pruning, irrigation, fertilizers, and cultural practices.
Want to get on a Workshop Waiting List? Email us at anrmgbutte@ucanr.edu. Be sure to include your phone number in case we need to contact you.
May
Firewise Gardening NEW
Co-sponsored with OLLI
Thursday, May 2, 3-4:30pm
Bradley 2 at The Social, limit 55 people
This presentation will cover fire behavior, state guidelines for defensible space and how to create and maintain a defensible space around your home. Consideration will also be given to the characteristics and examples of firewise plants as well as plants that should be avoided in a firewise landscape.
Register for Firewise Gardening
Bee Basics: An Introduction to Our Native Bees NEW—FULL
Wednesday, May 8, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, limit 25 people
Most of us can recognize the non-native, ever-present European honey bees in our yards, but many are unaware that there are 1600 species of native bees that can be found in California.
This workshop will introduce you to a number of California native bees including bumblebees, leaf cutting bees, mason bees, and carpenter bees. We will provide resources and information to help you understand the bees’ lifespans and their plant and habitat needs, along with ways you can observe and support these valuable pollinators.
Pest Management
Friday, May 17, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, limit 25 people
This interactive class will focus on the basics of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The purpose of IPM is to solve your own pest problems while minimizing risks to people and the environment. IPM can be used for all pests in your landscape and home.
Weed Identification
Monday, May 20, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, limit 25 people
This fascinating exploration of the clues that weeds can offer about soil problems was presented at our most recent plant sale, and we are offering it again this spring. Using the gardens at Patrick Ranch as a lab, a team of Master Gardeners will show you how to identify common weeds and what their presence might reveal about the health of the soil. Knowing what the presence of particular weeds indicates can help you manage soil more efficiently and with less reliance on herbicides. A discussion of mulch as a way to prevent and control weeds is also included in this workshop.
Register for Weed Identification
How Does Your Garden Grow? Adaptations of California Native Plants NEW
Wednesday, May 22, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden, limit 25 people
Plants are adapted to the specific conditions of their native environments. These conditions include temperature, available water, soil type, and interactions with other organisms. Adaptations, which are inherited and evolve over time in response to changing conditions, allow the plants to meet their needs. Join Master Gardener Cindy Weiner in exploring the variety of adaptations which allow California natives to succeed in Butte County despite our hot and dry summers.
Register for How Does Your Garden Grow?
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