- Author: Anne Schellman
Locally, our program gives classes at libraries, community gardens, garden clubs, our Harvest Hall facility at the Ag Center, and to senior centers. We also help answer questions in person, online, and by phone. We are currently working on two gardens that will act as outdoor classrooms. You may remember that we raised funds for them last year. Here is an update on their progress.
The Sensory Garden
Our Master Gardener Sensory Garden Committee has been busy researching which plants to use for the garden, and creating a landscape plan that includes water-wise plants. Recently, we used part of the donated funds to remove some of the original plants in need of replacement. Next steps are amending the soil to prepare for the installation of the drip irrigation system. Thanks to Hunter Industries for donating irrigation supplies!
By the end of the summer, the soil will be amended, the drip irrigation installed, and this fall, we will begin planting. Grover Landscape Services Inc. has generously agreed to donate plants for this space. The remaining funds we have will be used for a water feature and a few benches, however it won't cover all of this cost. In addition, so we are looking for funding for hardscapes, mulch, and amendments for this garden.
The Pollinator Garden
This garden will not only showcase plants for pollinators, it will include a demonstration pollinator hedgerow. These hedgerows will demonstrate to farmers how they can help provide food for pollinators, while at the same time use hedgerows as visual screens and windbreaks.
Thanks to a generous donation from the West Stanislaus Resource Conservation District, we will have the funds to remove the turf in the area where we want to plant the garden. One of our Master Gardeners, Rhonda Allen, who created the La Loma Native Garden in Modesto, is creating the plan for this landscape. We plan to remove the turf in late summer, prepare the soil and irrigation, and be ready to plant in fall. Once we reach that step, we will work with Modesto Junior College Nursery to grow plants for this space. We are looking for funding for plants, hardscapes, mulch, and amendments for this garden.
Our Program
By donating to your local UCCE Master Gardener Program and UC ANR, you help extend the knowledge and resources of the University to your community.
Mark your calendar, spread the word, and stay tuned for more details! Join us at noon and be the first to give—or visit us anytime during the 24 hour giving day. Make your gift then share your support on social media using #Giving Day or call a friend to let them know what's happening. We hope you will join us on May 19-20!
/h3>/h3>/h3>- Author: Anne Schellman
How You Can Help
We appreciate any amount you can give. Credit card donations will be matched if we meet the qualifications below:
- $500 to the twenty groups with the most first time donors
- $500 to the first 10 funds that secure a $500 + donation
- $500 to the ten groups that raise the most funds
Only gifts made by online/credit card donations on the day of the event qualify for the prizes.
Please donate today!
Now is a great time to make a tax-deductible donation to our organization! Visit https://ucanr.edu/sites/GivingTuesday/ and choose Stanislaus County Master Gardener Program.
If you prefer to donate a check, please make it out to UC Regents and send to:
UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardeners
3800 Cornucopia Way Ste A
Modesto, CA 95358
When will you begin creating the gardens?
We plan to begin working on one of the gardens in spring, and will keep you posted on our progress through this blog as well as our Facebook, Instagram and twitter accounts (@UCMGStanislaus). Our Sensory and Pollinator Gardens will be open to everyone to visit, and used during classes and workshops on drip irrigation, low water use plants, pollinator plants, and more!
/h4>/h4>/h4>- Author: Anne E Schellman
Are you on the fence about becoming a UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardener? We encourage you to apply so you can learn more about the program. You'll receive an invitation to our orientation meetings (one held in the morning, the other in the evening) when you can decide if you want to interview. We will take applications as late as next week.
As mentioned in earlier posts, you don't have to be an expert to become a Master Gardener. You'll learn from experts, and make new friends along the way. Master Gardeners don't know everything, but they do know where to look for the answers to your questions. Watch this video to learn more.
Apply in Person or Online
In person: Pick up an application at our office. Fill it out and return.
Online: fill out theonline application. https://ucanr.edu/sites/stancountymg/Become_a_UCCE_MG/
- Mail your application to UCCE Master Gardeners, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Ste A, Modesto, CA 95358.
- Drop off your application in person; find us in the Stanislaus Building.
- Scan and email your application to ucmgstanislaus@ucanr.edu
*We are planning for the classes to be held in person at Harvest Hall in Modesto at the Ag Center. Master Gardener trainees must follow COVID-19 guidelines. In the event we cannot hold the training in person, we will conduct it online using Zoom.
Last day to apply is September 10, 2021
You must be Stanislaus County resident to apply. For other county programs, visit http://mg.ucanr.edu/FindUs/
For questions or concerns, please contact Anne Schellman at (209) 525-6862.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
Spring Vegetable Gardening for Beginners on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 6:00-8:00 p.m. will teach you:
- How to find out your soil type
- How to prepare garden soil for planting
- Planting techniques for seeds and transplants
- How to care for vegetable plants
- How to grow vegetables in containers.
Sign up now to reserve your space and free vegetable seed packets. REGISTER HERE
Stay tuned for announcements about each class in your email inbox so you can be the first to sign up!
- Author: Anne E Schellman
On Thursday, February 7, the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Stanislaus County Master Gardeners held their very first class. The topic was spring vegetable gardening. UCCE Master Gardener Royce Rhoads discussed how to tell if your seeds are still “good,” what supplies are needed to start vegetable seeds indoors, and what vegetable seeds to plant outdoors.
We were excited to have 64 people attend our first event! Feedback from participants included:
- Thanks for the opportunity to attend and learn some basics.
- Appreciated the clear and concise information.
- This program is off to a great start and will be a real asset to our community!
If you couldn't make the class, you can download our free Vegetable Gardening Guide. It has step-by-step information on preparing garden beds, proper irrigation, dealing with pests and diseases, and a guide to which vegetable crops you can grow in our area and tips for growing them. You can also contact the UCCE Master Gardeners with your questions by calling (209) 525-6800 or sending an email to ucmgstanislaus@ucanr.edu.
Never miss a class! Stay in touch by subscribing to our newsletter blog, The Stanislaus Sprout. Look for the word "subscribe" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Add your name to receive gardening and pest management tips, as well as announcements for future classes and workshops.