- Author: Rho Yare
Yes, I realize that this past year has been, to put it mildly, a little out of the ordinary in many aspects. We have been for good reason a little pre-occupied with international, national, and of course local news. Besides concern for family, health, job security, and having enough toilet paper to “weather this current storm,” many in our population are witnessing the unbelievable: changes in spring training, changes in hockey games, changes in a favorite high school sport activity, and of course the massive changes in men's and women's NCAA basketball tournament. Which for many years has been monikered as “MARCH MADNESS.”
Seasons and the changes that appear have been celebrated for as long as our ancestors have wandered the earth. These people recognized that at certain times of the year the sun (our natural day/night clock) would appear at certain locations. Today most of us only know these important life and light changing dates because of our calendars or that perky news anchor announces that the season change is coming. Well, it occurred recently. We went from winter to spring. Did you see it?
Perhaps you might think about walking in your neighborhood. Many of us have been relegated to stay in one location, but still allowed to roam the streets using “social distancing.” Notice the yards with flowers that are blooming. The magnolia tree in my front garden bloomed a few weeks ago and the huge purple and white blossoms have dropped replaced by foliage. That is a miracle to me. I was pacing near my home (not a big fan of this stay place business) and saw irises, lilac, evergreen pear all in magnificent colors that only can be found in nature.
And if you have questions about plants in your neighborhood or seeds you wish plant the Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County are here to assist. We can be reached by phone or email and it is a free, non-judgmental service. Join us in celebrating the return of spring. Right now, we all need something to celebrate after our long, often difficult past year.
The UCCE Master Gardener's answer the Help Line Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Other days and times, leave a message and we will return your call within two business days. (209) 525-6802. Or, fill out our survey to be contacted by email: http://ucanr.edu/ask/ucmgstanislaus
Note: these services are available for Stanislaus residents only. For other California counties, visit our map at http://mg.ucanr.edu/FindUs/ to find your local program.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
Our dedicated group of trainees began an intensive learning program in January, meeting each week for 4 ½ hours. They heard form expert speakers from University of California on topics including soils, water management, ornamental plants, drought tolerant plants, turf management, landscape tree care, integrated pest management, weed identification and management, fruit and nut tree care, vegetable gardening, and so much more!
During the classes, we had hands-on learning activities, plenty of time for questions, all while enjoying delicious potluck food. Everything was going smoothly. In mid-March, we learned that due to COVID-19, we could no longer meet in person. Several UCCE Master Gardener Programs across the state canceled their trainings.
We are so proud of this new group of 31 Master Gardeners who have joined our 2019 class to make a total of 55 UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardeners! Although they cannot be out in the community just yet, we are finding opportunities for them to share their knowledge through Zoom, our help line, and other projects.
Will there be a 2021 Master Gardener Class?
We know that many of you are disappointed. We feel this way as well. If you are interested in the next program, and haven't signed up yet, please fill out this survey at https://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=28350
We will contact you when it is time to start recruiting for our next class.
- Author: Rho Yare
Rho Yare is a first year Master Gardener in Stanislaus County.
In most cases plants are forgiving, will not lecture you, give away any of your secrets, request money nor the car keys. Those plants in your yard, patio or on the balcony might just need a little love and right now you have the time.
If you are fortunate to have some land around your home perhaps this would not only give you other options of things to do while at home but make your world more attractive and interesting. Wander round your space and reacquaint yourself to what is planted there. This might be a good time to weed, trim, or remove shrubs or plants that are no longer looking their best. Perhaps checking the irrigation system or planning some changes that you might like to make to your outside environment.
At this point all the health experts are telling us that spending time outside is good for us if you are healthy and if we do not congregate with those not in our immediate living situation. Including young people in the exploration of your garden/yard is a wonderful way to talk to them in a relaxed setting and listen to their fears, interests, and frustrations. If there are no young people in your home, then this might be a perfect time for a solo garden experience.
You could invite that person who shares your home to join you outside in your gardening area to keep you company while you work. A change in routine and space can sometimes produce surprising results. Sharing this time might make communication easier and perhaps alleviate some fears and anxieties about COVID-19 and the future.
Getting away from all those screens and looking at something besides the inside of your home could be beneficial to your mental wellbeing. If you have a patio or balcony you can still garden and have the benefits of exercise, stress reduction, beautification, education, and possibly a food source.
Children are especially excited when the seeds they plant in containers begin to sprout little green leaves. You might already have some containers that can be used for your small space garden.
Or consider the next time you make that trip to purchase home supplies at a grocery or variety store you add a container, some soil, and a package or two of seeds. It is amazing how your gardening experiment will be interesting, challenging, and have the bonus of the “I did this” factor for adults as well as for young people.
Although some resources have been curtailed the Internet has many sites that can give you gardening advice. Another source is the UCCE Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County. Master Gardeners are volunteers who have completed a rigorous course of classes and would welcome your questions, offer free advice, and encouragement. Leave a message for us by phone (209) 525-6802 or email ucmgstanislaus@ucanr.edu
Adding gardening and outside time to your schedule might help with some of the long and possibly boring days ahead. None of us want to be “stuck” in our homes but expanding our horizons to a little beyond the four walls just might make this time more interesting for you and give you some new skills and interests.
