- 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!
