- Author: Leah J. Haynes
Happy New Year!!!
Hello Master Gardeners,
As I think back on this past year, I am amazed and gratified by what the Master Gardener organization has accomplished. Speakers Bureau efforts continue to expand reaching home gardeners throughout Ventura County. The MG Hands-on program continues to thrive, and new gardens were designed and installed. Last year, we identified 11 emerging leaders as well as 10 leaders ready and willing to take on the role of hands-on garden leads for the Class of 2013 program year.
More than 20,000 volunteer service hours were posted by 181 Certified Master Gardeners. The Class of 2012 posted 3,519 hours, an average of 109.9 hours per trainee. Thirty-two graduates graduated on Thursday December 13, 2012 and more than 99 people were in attendance. There was record breaking interest in the VCMG Program and more than sixty-five individuals applied for a space in the 2013 MG Training Class. Thankfully, we were able to accept 36 trainees.
As I reflect on my role in the MG program - I feel fortunate - I count each and every one of you among the richest blessings in my life. Your gifts to me go far beyond professional rewards; they fill me with optimism for the future. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with the University of California Ventura County Master Gardener Program. It is an honor to work with such dedicated and devoted group of volunteers. I look forward to working with you in 2013.
Congratulations to the Class of 2012
Cathy Allen
Patricia Allen
John Baprawski
Chris Boykin
Leon Daniels
Jeff Dodson
Gerald Fitzgerald
Kelle Green
Patti Handfinger
Kim Herren
Jerome Holt
Candis Hong
Berta Hurley
Richard Kelman
Melissa Kornblatt
Sally Kosoff
Christopher Lynch
Mira Makdina
Janis McCromick
Rebecca Montgomery
Barbara Morse
Simone Patterson
Richard Paul
Lee Rosenboom
Joe Santos
Steve Schwaiger
Rita Stafford
Mike Stubblefied
Ellie Tu
Karl Volland
Carol Willard
Barbara Wilsey
Upcoming Events & Activities: Learn about Native Bees – Build a Bee Condo from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday January 12, 2013, Hansen Agricultural Center. Cost is $10.00. All materials provided. Register online at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9611
New Additional to the Fuller Family: Master Gardener Sandy Fuller is a first time grandmother. Greyson Michael was born on December 1, 2012. The family is excited and pleased with the birth of Greyson. He weighted 8 pounds, 1ounce and is 20 ¾ inches long. Mom and Dad are doing well and adjusting to Greyson schedule. Sandy is enjoying her “new” role as grandma.
KUDOS to Volunteers Supporting Blackberry Research Project: Oleg, Cameron, and Anna would like to express their gratitude for all of your hard work and dedication to the blackberry project. They would like to thank you for enduring the heat and wicked thorns. The first group of blackberries was mowed down in December, the second will be mowed down in January, and the third in March. But, these plants will regrow quickly and be ready for another round of harvesting next summer (2013). Hopefully, many Master Gardeners will be able to support this project and Oleg looks forward to seeing your cheerful smiling faces next summer.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Rose Research Project: Jim Downer has requested the help of Master Gardeners and Hansen Volunteers to help remove the suckers from the roses as the suckers are taking over the roses and need to be removed as soon as possible. What a great way to begin to accumulate volunteer hours for 2013!
We plan to meet at the Rose Project site on Wednesday January 16, 2013 at 8:30 am. For those who are joining us for the first time, please enter the Briggs Road gate, turn left, and drive all the way to the end of the parking lot. The roses will be visible. Please bring sharp clippers and sturdy gloves. Dress in layers as it can be quite chilly when we begin. Even though it may be overcast, sun screen and hats are recommended. Water is available.
Notify Sharon McGahan at smcga87190@aol.com by January 11, 2013, if you plan to join us for this very important research project. If it is raining on January 16, the sucker removal will be canceled and rescheduled for another date.
Vets Center in Ventura needs YOU! On Friday January 18th, the first major workday of the year is scheduled from 9am to noon at the Ventura Veteran Center located at 10900 Telephone Road Ventura, CA 93004. The day will start in the Veterans Center lobby where you can sign-in and then move to the gardens for a full morning of projects. We will dig holes, plant trees, and spruce-up gardens. Your work will provide veterans with a greater opportunity to participate in gardening activities. Be sure to bring your own garden tools and a drinking vessel. Contact Barbara Hill at qbarbhill@aol.com by January 14th to let her know you plan to join us.
Want to work directly with the public, educating them about the Master Gardener program, and gardening? Join our Master Gardener Special Projects and Events Committee. We have fun:
•Working the booth at the VC Home and Garden Show
•Educating the public at Earth Day events
•Creating a winning exhibit for the VC Fair
•Selling produce and plants at Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch
If you are interested in joining our merry group, come to the potluck lunch/planning meeting on January 14th, 11am – 1pm at Carolyn Willard’s house near River Ridge golf course in Oxnard. Call her 805-485-9731 or email gardener4313@yahoo.com to let her know you are coming, what you are bringing and to get directions.
The Ventura County Master Gardener Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) Committee has formulated a plan to place brochures at key locations in Ventura County. Since 2010, a small but mighty group of Master Gardeners have distributed more than 6,500 information flyers about the threat of ACP. Linda Haque, MG ACP Committee Lead has actively participated in statewide and local meetings focused on the threat of ACP. She is recognized for her outstanding work to address this serious problem facing the citrus industry in California. The team includes Master Gardeners Arlene Pinkerton, Joan Stuart, Charlotte Kalenack, and Kim Herren. Master Gardeners are needed to deliver brochures and holders to assigned sites and replenish brochures from January 14 to July 15, 2013.
In January 2013, Master Gardeners assisting with this effort will receive a list of locations in their local community, “Save Citrus” brochures, and brochure holders by mail. The ACP Committee members will make contact with locations prior to your delivery date. If you are willing to support this project, contact Linda Haque directly at lhaque@earthlink.net to let her know you plan to join this important effort.
Upcoming Events & Activities:
Learn about Native Bees – Build a Bee Condo from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday January 12, 2013, Hansen Agricultural Center. Cost is $10.00. All materials provided. Register online at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9611
Mastering Your Home Garden Workshop is scheduled on Saturday January 26, 2013 from 8:15 am to noon. Sessions offered are Pruning Dormant Fruit Trees & Selection and Care of Garden Tools. Master Gardeners may attend by completing and returning registration form. You will also need to include $10.00 to cover the cost of attendance. If you register online, you will be asked to pay $30.00 with your debit or credit card. We no longer accepted cash or checks online from the general public for these workshops.
Advanced Integrated Pest Management Hands-on Training:
Saturday February 23, 2013 at the Hansen Agricultural Center in Santa Paula from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the small barn. Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9614
Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Goebel Center in Thousand Oaks from 9:30 to 11:30 am in the Sage Room. Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9613
Topics to be covered:
What is IPM?
Household Pests
Less Toxic Pesticides
Beneficial Insects
Certified Master Gardeners receive 2.0 hours of Continuing Education. Trainees can track their time as volunteer hours.
Thank you for all you do to support the Master Gardener Program!!!
- Author: Leah J. Haynes
Greetings, I will be on vacation from Tuesday May 29th returning to work on Tuesday June 5th. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the Master Gardener Program, contact Executive Committee Chair Chuck Andrews, chucknsusan@roadrunner.com or Education Chair Julian Hoyle,
jmrhoyle@verizon.net
Upcoming Master Gardener Events:
June 28, 2012 - MG Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Dinner will be held at the Camarillo Ranch House in Camarillo. The event is catered and scheduled from 5:00-8:00 PM on Thursday June 28. You may bring your spouse or one friend. Membership Chair Joanne Abing is the contact for this event. You can reach her by email at mrsja@roadrunner.com or phone at 644-4586.
Registration is required and the deadline is June 22, 2012. Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=8428
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
In accordance with the VCMG Bylaws and Article X
One month prior to the Annual General Meeting, the slate of officers proposed by the nominating committee shall be published in the organizational newsletter, internal web page or sent to all members in an email.
MGs may nominate themselves or others, prior to, or from the floor at the Annual General Meeting, providing that each nomination is properly proposed and seconded. Voting will be conducted at the Annual General Meeting by those members present.
Proposed Slate of Officers for 2012-2013
- Executive Committee Co-Chairs
- Joanne Abing
- Bill Dobner
- Education Committee Co-Chairs
- Cathy Allen, Kathryn Estomo,
Carole Rowlandand Barbara Wilsey
- Special Projects & Events Committee Co-Chairs
- Melissa Kornblatt
- Carol Willard
- Communication Committee Chair
- Carol Kurtz
- Membership Committee Co-Chairs
- Patti Handfinger
- Velma Womack
You’re invited to attend the True Colors Garden and Learning Center at the Goebel Center. The ceremony is scheduled from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday June 6 in the garden. Let me know if you plan to attend at ljhaynes@ucdavis.edu
You’re invited to join us for a morning of learning!!!
Master Gardener Charleen Siegler will lead a container gardening workshop at the HansenAgriculturalCenterfrom 8:45 to 11:45am on Saturday June 23rd. Certified Master Gardeners will receive 2.5 hours of continuing education and MG trainees can track volunteer hours for their support.
Participants in attendance are asked to bring a whimsical container and their own plant cuttings. Containers will be featured in the Ventura County Fair. Register today at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=8584
Ventura County Fair Display Information
This year’s theme is Rides, Ribbons, and Rodeos
(Fair is scheduled from August 1-12)
As you may know, we usually win 1st or 2nd prize for our display.
This year WE WANT THE BLUE RIBBON!
For more information contact
Nancy Nasalroad at n.nazrd@live.com or
Charleen Siegler at fauxnombre1@msn.com
Need Your Input!
In 2010, VC Master Gardeners held a series of focus groups and based on input received we made adjustments to the program. We would like to know your thoughts about these changes. Please take a few minutes to answer questions on survey.
Complete survey by June 1, 2012.
Link to the survey:
http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=6304
Thank you for your support!
- Author: Leah J. Haynes
VC Master Gardener Program Weekly Update – May 16, 2012
From the MG Program Coordinator: Need to reach me? Send an email to: ljhaynes@ucdavis.edu or call my cell phone, (805) 320-4134. I will be on vacation from Friday May 25th to Tuesday June 5th.
Need Your Input! In 2010, VC Master Gardeners held a series of focus groups and based on input received we made adjustments to the program. We would like to know your thoughts about these changes. Please take a few minutes to answer questions on survey. Complete survey by May 23, 2012. Link to the survey at – http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=6304
Upcoming Ventura County Master Gardener Events:
MG Slate of Officers for 2012-2013 must be reviewed prior to elections scheduled on Thursday, June 28, 2012.
In accordance with the VCMG Bylaws and Article X -
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
One month prior to the Annual General Meeting, the slate of officers proposed by the nominating committee shall be published in the organizational newsletter, internal web page or sent to all members in an email.
MGs may nominate themselves or others, prior to, or from the floor at the Annual General Meeting, providing that each nomination is properly proposed and seconded.
Voting for each office will be conducted at the Annual General Meeting by those members present.
Proposed Slate of Officers for 2012-2013
- Executive Committee Co-Chairs
- Joanne Abing
- Bill Dobner
- Education Committee Co-Chairs
- Cathy Allen, Kathryn Estomo, Carole Rowland and Barbara Wilsey
- Special Projects & Events Committee Co-Chairs
- Melissa Kornblatt
- Carol Willard
- Communication Committee Chair
- Carol Kurtz
- Membership Committee Co-Chairs
- Patti Handfinger
- Velma Womack
May 24, 2012 – Final Training Class and Exam for 2012 MG Trainees
June 28, 2012 – MG Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Dinner will be held at the Camarillo Ranch House in Camarillo. The event is catered and scheduled from 5:00-8:00 PM on Thursday June 28. You may bring your spouse or one friend. Membership Chair Joanne Abing is the contact for this event. You can reach her by email at mrsja@roadrunner.com or phone at 644-4586.
Registration is required and the deadline is June 22, 2012. Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=8428
Mastering Your Home Garden Workshop is scheduled at the Hansen Agricultural Center on Saturday May 19th from 8:15 am to noon. Master Gardeners may attend at a reduced rate of $5.00. Certified Master Gardeners in attendance will receive three hours of continuing education. Trainees are welcome to attend, but, time spent in sessions does not count towards required volunteer hours. If you would like to attend contact: Charleen Siegler at fauxnombre1@msn.com
General Information:
Did you know? We are capturing names of individuals interested in receiving information about Master Gardener events and activities. MG speakers and event leads are encouraged to retrieve speakers’ kits where they will find a sign-in sheet used for capturing names. Our distribution list has nearly 2,000 names. We use this list to promote the Mastering Your Home Garden Workshop, the Ventura County Fair and the Master Gardener training classes. This is a wonderful way for us to communicate with people interested in receiving University of California science-based gardening information.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Who doesn't like a ripe tomato fresh off the vine? Thanks to some helpful Master Gardeners now 20 large pots with 6-7 different varieties are planted on the patio of the Veterans Home inVentura. The residents have the pleasure of watching these plants grow as they do their daily walk. Come mid summer, they can select the biggest, reddest, juiciest one and feast on it every day. Salsa will surely be on the menu. Imagine the smiles!!!
Continuing Education Opportunities:
Simi Valley Speakers’ Series – Every Tuesday from 5/1 to 6/12/2012
Register on MG website and each class cost $5.00 (pay at the door)
MG Leads are: Joe Santos – ezmail63@yahoo.com ; Lois Shoemaker – loiss105@gmail.com and Judy Anderson – anderson9874@sbcglobal.net
Ojai Speakers’ Series – 2nd Saturday from 4/14 to 10/13/2012
MG Lead is Robin Graham –stuartgraham@att.net
Goebel Speakers’ Series in TO – 4th Saturday from 6/23 to 9/22/2012
MG Lead is Peggy Ellis – getpellis@yahoo.com
Certified Master Gardeners receive continuing education hours for attending these sessions. Trainees are welcome to attend sessions, sorry no volunteer hours. Registration is required!
We need your help for the annual Ventura County Fair Exhibit
This year’s theme is
Rides, Ribbons, and Rodeos
(Fair is scheduled from August 1-12)
As you may know, we usually win 1st or 2nd prize for our display.
WE WANT THE BLUE RIBBON!
We are planning to grow all of our own plant material so we need your help in the following ways:
Manpower to make the display components, assembling succulent wreaths,picture framed succulents displays, (fair workshops)
Loaning hardscape items for exhibit, Help transporting and setting up the exhibit on Tuesday, Wednesday July 24, 25. Help teardown the display Monday, August 13
Entries
For you Artsy types please think about putting together an entry.
The exhibit will have a judging table with the different displays.
Think 'found art'. Shop your garage, the back shelves of the closet and kitchen for containers and go to it. Whimsy is the name of the game. All entries will be returned. We would also like assorted flowering perennials and annuals in attractive containers entries.
For more information contact
Nancy Nasalroad at n.nazrd@live.com or
Charleen Siegler at fauxnombre1@msn.com
Thank you for your support!
- Author: Leah J. Haynes
Upcoming Ventura County Master Gardener Events:
May 15, 2012 – MG Slate of Officers for 2012-2013 will be sent to all Master Gardeners for review prior to elections scheduled on Thursday, June 28, 2012.
May 24, 2012 – Final Training Class for 2012 MG Trainees
June 28, 2012 – MG Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Dinner will be held at the Camarillo Ranch House in Camarillo. The event is catered and scheduled from 5:00-8:00 PM on Thursday June 28. You may bring your spouse or one friend. Membership Chair Joanne Abing is the contact for this event. You can reach her by email at mrsja@roadrunner.com or phone at 644-4586. Registration is required and the deadline is June 22, 2012. Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=8428
General Information:
Did you know? We are capturing names of individuals interested in receiving information about Master Gardener events and activities. MG speakers and event leads are encouraged to retrieve speakers’ kit where they will find a sign-in sheet used for capturing names. Our distribution list has nearly 2,000 names. We use this list to promote the Mastering Your Home Garden Workshop, the Ventura County Fair and the Master Gardener training classes. This is a wonderful way for us to communicate with people interested in receiving University of California science-based gardening information.
Ventura Home Garden Tours scheduled on May 5, 2012 – If you are scheduled to volunteer for this event, there will be a packet of information at each home for Master Gardeners to review and use. Included in the packet are flyers related to recruitment for the Class of 2013 and Home and Garden workshop scheduled on Saturday May 19. There are also helpline question sheets to track answers given and questions needing additional follow-up at the helpline desk. As you talk with visitors in the gardens, be sure to ask them if they are interested in receiving information via email about planned Master Gardener activities. The sign-in sheet is included in the packet. Don’t forget to distribute a bookmark to interested home gardeners and remind them to place the bookmark in their Sunset Garden Book. Also point out the helpline desk phone number and website information on the bookmark. This is a great opportunity for MGs to reach home gardeners and thank you for your support. Special thanks to MG Susan Crespi for her efforts.
Need Your Input! In 2010, VC Master Gardeners held a series of focus groups and based on input received we made adjustments to the program. We would like to know your thoughts about these changes. Please take a few minutes to answer questions on survey. Complete survey by May 9, 2012. Link to the survey at – http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=6304
Volunteer Opportunities:
Ojai Garden Tour – The tour includes four homes and will be held from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 12th. We need more volunteers for two shifts 9:30 am to 1 pm & 12:30 pm to 4 pm. Orientation for home tours is scheduled on Tuesday May 8th at the Ojai Chamber of Commerce office. Contact Cathy at (805) 320-1686 or cepharaoh@yahoo.com
Who doesn't like a ripe tomato fresh off the vine? Thanks to some helpful Master Gardeners now 20 large pots with 6-7 different varieties are planted on the patio of the Veterans Home inVentura. The residents have the pleasure of watching these plants grow as they do their daily walk. Come mid summer, they can select the biggest, reddest, juiciest one and feast on it every day. Salsa will surely be on the menu. Imagine the smiles!!! Simple pleasures can make your day.
The Great Giant Pumpkin contest is under way!!! Three teams consisting of residents, staff, and two Master Gardeners as advisors have their seeds and selected their plots. Now the secret plans start. You might see small groups in the dining room or whispers in the halls--who will grow the biggest pumpkin? Do they know that a couple of other residents are growing pumpkins in hidden areas? The mysteries continue.
HOWEVER, we still need a couple more MGs to be available--even if it is just by phone--to act as a private helpline for these independent renegades. Join the fun with a party in the fall to celebrate the Biggest Pumpkin with special pumpkin desserts. Contact qbarbhill@aol.com to ask questions or to volunteer
Continuing Education Opportunities:
Simi Valley Speakers’ Series – Every Tuesday from 5/1 to 6/12/2012
Register on MG website and each class cost $5.00 (pay at the door)
MG Leads are: Joe Santos – ezmail63@yahoo.com ; Lois Shoemaker – loiss105@gmail.com and Judy Anderson – anderson9874@sbcglobal.net
Ojai Speakers’ Series – 2nd Saturday from 4/14 to 10/13/2012
MG Lead is Robin Graham –stuartgraham@att.net
Goebel Speakers’ Series in TO – 4th Saturday from 6/23 to 9/22/2012
MG Lead is Peggy Ellis – getpellis@yahoo.com
Certified Master Gardeners receive continuing education hours for attending these sessions. Trainees are welcome to attend sessions, sorry no volunteer hours. Registration is required!
Mastering Your Home Garden Workshop is scheduled at the Hansen Agricultural Center on Saturday May 19th from 8:15 am to noon. Master Gardeners may attend at a reduce rate of $5.00. Certified Master Gardeners in attendance will receive three hours of continuing education. Trainees are welcome to attend, but, time spent in sessions does not count towards required volunteer hours. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, contact Charleen Siegler at fauxnombre1@msn.com or (805) 984-1947 or Nancy Lindsay at nancyllindsay@verizon.net or (805) 987-0201.
If you need to reach the MG Program Coordinator:
Send an email to: ljhaynes@ucdavis.edu or call my cell phone, (805) 320-4134.
Thank you for your support!
- Author: Leah J. Haynes
Happy Spring! Hope you are finding time to garden.
Need to reach me? Send an email to: ljhaynes@ucdavis.edu or
call my cell phone, (805) 320-4134.
We need your volunteer hours posted! I was reviewing volunteer hours and noticed that several volunteers have yet to post hours for this year. I’ve seen these volunteers in the gardens and at events. They are doing good work. Please take time to post your hours. These numbers help to plan and coordinate future activities.
Searching for research assistants? If you are interested in assisting with research projects, please send me your availability. Farm Advisors often need help on short notice (one week in advance) to support research efforts. I would like to create a list of willing workers interested in research projects. Can you help me? If so, email me which days work best for your schedule. Advisors typically need volunteer assistance in the morning hours from 9-noon.
Do you like scavenger hunts? If so, here is an opportunity for you to learn more about the V.C. Master Gardener Program’s external (seen by the public) and internal (where you post your volunteer hours) websites. If you decide to answer these questions use one email message with an html link for each answered question. Thank you and enjoy!
- Can you locate volunteer venues on the external website? When you find the location - How many volunteer venues are listed?
- Where are the links to resources? How many links are listed?
- Can you find Pest Management - IPM link? If yes, link to the site and tell me the four boxed categories listed on the front page of the IPM website?
- Can you find the standing committees roster on the internal website? If yes, who is the Executive Committee Secretary?
- Can you find the new California Gardening website? If so, can you then locate how to grow vegetables? I will need you to now find how many hours of sunlight are suggested for a vegetable garden?
- Can you find how to schedule a speaker on the external website?
- Can you tell me the date and cost for the next Mastering Your Home Garden workshop? Where is the flyer/registration information located?
If you answer all of the questions correctly, your name will entered in special drawing for FREE spot in the MG Home and Garden workshop scheduled in November 2012.
General Information:
- The mission of the Master Gardener Program? To enhance the well-being of people, plants, and the environment through science-based gardening education and community outreach.
- Who provides leadership in the Master Gardener Program? The Master Gardener Advisor and the Program Coordinator in partnership with the Executive Committee members and the lead volunteers.
- Link to Executive Committee Roster –
Earn volunteer hours talking about why you became a Master Gardener! We need your assistance and here is the list of opportunities for community service. These activities directly align with the mission and goals of the Master Gardener Program. Hope you can help us!
Earth Day in Thousand Oaks on April 28th from 10am to 4pm. We need two or three volunteers for two shifts – 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and 1:15 pm to 4:30 pm. Contact Lois Shoemaker at loiss105@gmail.com or (805) 522-4683.
Ojai Garden Tour – The tour includes five homes and will be held from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 12th. We need five or more volunteers for two shifts 9:30 am to 1 pm & 12:30 pm to 4 pm. Orientation for home tours is scheduled on Tuesday May 8th at the Ojai Chamber of Commerce office. For more information, contact Cathy at (805) 320-1686 or cepharaoh@yahoo.com
Teach Ventura County Veterans how-to Grow Giant Pumpkins!!!
Barbara Hill, Approved Site Lead, is facilitating a Pumpkin Giant Growing Contest with the staff and residents of the Veterans Home. She is forming teams and needs the support of 3 to 4 Master Gardeners to work with these teams. MG will mentor a team through the process of growing the pumpkins. The soil has been prepared and is ready for planting. Seeds will be provided and instructions given on how-to grow pumpkins. The mentoring MG for each team will need to do a little digging, interpret instructions, share expertise, and make it a fun project. Hours are flexible. Barbara is available to provide support as need to mentoring MG. However, she will not lead a group. This is great opportunity for the Vets to grow pumpkins. If you are interested in supporting this effort, contact Barbara at qbarbhill@aol.com or (805) 443-2073.
Continuing Education Opportunities:
Location and registration information is available on the MG website.
Camarillo Speakers’ Series – Every Wednesday until 4/25/2012
MG Lead for series is Linda Owens - llowens2@verizon.net
Goebel Speakers’ Series in TO – 4th Saturday from 6/23 to 9/22/2012
MG Lead is Peggy Ellis – getpellis@yahoo.com
Ojai Speakers’ Series – 2nd Saturday from 4/14 to 10/13/2012
MG Lead is Robin Graham –stuartgraham@att.net
Simi Valley Speakers’ Series – Every Tuesday from 5/1 to 6/12/2012
Register on MG website and each class cost $5.00 (pay at the door)
MG Leads are: Joe Santos – ezmail63@yahoo.com ; Lois Shoemaker – loiss105@gmail.com and Judy Anderson – anderson9874@sbcglobal.net
Certified Master Gardeners receive continuing education hours for attending these sessions. Trainees are welcome to attend sessions, sorry no volunteer hours. Registration is required!
Mastering Your Home Garden Workshop is scheduled at the Hansen Agricultural Center on Saturday May 19th from 8:15 am to noon. Master Gardeners may attend at a reduce rate of $5.00. Certified Master Gardeners in attendance will receive three hours of continuing education. Trainees are welcome to attend, but, time spent in sessions does not count towards required volunteer hours. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, contact Charleen Siegler at fauxnombre1@msn.com or (805) 984-1947 or Nancy Lindsay at nancyllindsay@verizon.net or (805) 987-0201.
****************************************************************
Special VC County Fair Announcement!!!
We need your help for the annual Ventura County Fair Exhibit
This year’s theme is
Rides, Ribbons, and Rodeos
(Fair is scheduled from August 1-12)
As you may know, we usually win 1st or 2nd prize for our display.
WE WANT THE BLUE RIBBON!
We are planning to grow all of our own plant material so we need your help in the following ways:
Manpower to make the display components, assembling succulent wreaths,picture framed succulents displays, (fair workshops)
Loaning hardscape items for exhibit
Help transporting and setting up the exhibit on Tuesday, Wednesday July 24, 25. Help teardown the display Monday, August 13
Entries
For you Artsy types please think about putting together an entry.
The exhibit will have a judging table with the different displays.
Think 'found art'. Shop your garage, the back shelves of the closet and kitchen for containers and go to it. Whimsy is the name of the game. All entries will be returned. We would also like assorted flowering perennials and annuals in attractive containers entries.
Hardscape
Cement umbrella stands, saw horses, easels and hobby horse.
Plant material donations
Succulent cuttings, we will need flats of Sedum, Baby's Breath, low growing compact ground covers. If you could grow a flat, that's terrific.
If not, give us your cuttings or starts and we will grow the flat.
Peruvian Lily plugs & Hollyhocks in gallon containers
Canna tubers
Assorted herbs
Baskets planted with flowers & Potted Morning Glories & Geraniums Cowboy hats & boots
For more information contact: Nancy Nasalroad at n.nazrd@live.com or Charleen Siegler at fauxnombre1@msn.com
Thank you in advance for your support!!!
