- Author: Lauren Snowden
I am thrilled to share the winners for the 2023 UC Master Gardener Search for Excellence competition. The exceptional projects that have risen to the top truly captivated the judges and inspired them with their innovation, engagement, and commitment to service. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the remarkable winners.
First Place- Riverside County, $1500 prize
Taking the coveted first-place position is the remarkable project from Riverside County - Soboba Cultural Garden: Connecting the Past with the Future. The project focuses on educating and assisting the establishment of successful and sustainable food gardens within Native American tribes. The Soboba Cultural Garden serves as a significant resource, providing nutritious food for the community and showcasing native plants and seasonal produce, all rooted in traditional tribal knowledge and promoting food sovereignty and wellness. The project has formed partnerships with various organizations and individuals, extending beyond the Soboba Cultural Resource Department. One of our judges enthusiastically remarked, “The Riverside MGs are modeling the very best in education - partnership, respect and hands-on teaching of quality material. Bravo!”
Congratulations to the passionate team behind this outstanding achievement!
Second Place-Placer County, $1000 prize
In second place, we have the incredible project from Placer County - Engagement+Education+Enthusiasm = School Garden Success! The project focuses on using school gardens as outdoor classrooms to provide science-based education, teaching students about planting, care, fresh vegetables, pollinators, soil, and photosynthesis. Their goals involve providing support for garden-related classes, establishing sustainable parent-led models, expanding to more schools serving low-income families, and building a community of partners focused on success. Well done to all those involved!
Third Place
In the spirit of celebration, we have not one, but two exceptional projects sharing the third-place spotlight.
El Dorado County, $500 prize
First, we have El Dorado County's Cross Pollination, Growing Abilities: Cultivating Independence and Community in the Garden. This project's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment of individuals with special needs through gardening is truly commendable. The judges expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the UC Master Gardeners' unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive and acquire knowledge. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to others, showcasing the transformative impact of creating an inclusive learning space.
Sacramento County, $500 prize
Our second third-place winner is Sacramento County with their project titled Video Learning Reaches Larger Audiences. Through the power of technology and their dedication to community service, this project has effectively reached and inspired a wide audience, bringing the joys and benefits of gardening to even more individuals. The judges provided insightful comments, acknowledging the outstanding alignment of the project with its goals. They particularly appreciated the project's ability to simultaneously address external and internal objectives and commended the involvement of over 50 Master Gardeners in the creation of videos. The judges expressed gratitude for sharing the video production process through a clear and concise flow chart, recognizing it as a valuable contribution to the project's success.
To all the winners, a resounding congratulations! Your hard work, creativity, and unwavering passion have not gone unnoticed. You have inspired us all with your remarkable achievements. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring stories as we delve into the winning projects. Let's celebrate the power of gardening and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible!
Thank you, judges
A heartfelt and special thank you goes out to our esteemed judges who generously devoted their time to reading, scoring, and learning about our program over the last four weeks. We are immensely grateful for your invaluable contributions, thank you for being an integral part of our journey towards excellence!
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
It's time to marry your love for gardening with your eye for photography in the UC Master Gardener 2023 Conference Photo Contest. This year's theme is broken down into five exciting categories that encompass the essence of gardening:
- Get Growing: Let's witness the fascinating journey of a plant's life, from a humble seed to a robust plant laden with fruits.
- Garden Lessons: Share the educational moments that illuminate the joy of teaching about gardening.
- Lovely Landscaping: With California's diverse growing zones offering endless creative opportunities, we'd love to see the outdoor artistry you've cultivated.
- Garden Fails: Garden misadventures remind us that it's okay to laugh at our mistakes. Showcase those humorous hiccups that add a sprinkle of fun to gardening.
- Garden Bounty: Harvest time is rewarding. Share those proud moments with your bountiful yields, from a single tomato to a basket of varied produce.
Excited to submit your photos? You can submit photos here: https://m.shortstack.page/nRCjrx
Judges from across the state, including program staff, volunteers, and community partners, will assess each entry based on its artistic quality and its alignment with the program's mission to promote sustainable gardening practices across California.
Now, onto the exciting part - the prizes! Each category winner will receive a $50 gift card (note grand prize winner is not eligible for both prizes). The first-place winner from each category will have a chance to compete at the statewide conference for the grand prize - a $75 gift card. (Please note that the grand prize winner is not eligible for both prizes.)
Participation in our photo contest is not limited to online submissions alone. We encourage you to engage with fellow participants and follow the contest's progress on social media using the hashtag #2023MGPhoto.
It's time to prepare your lenses and nurture your creativity! Let's spotlight the beauty of nature, the joy of gardening, and the uniqueness of each garden through your captivating photographs. Happy snapping, and best of luck!
Submit your photos: https://m.shortstack.page/nRCjrx
Contest Details at a Glance:
- Submissions accepted from June 15 to August 28, 2023
- Voting begins Sept. 4, 2023
- 1st place winners in each category receive $50 gift certificate, grand prize winner receives a $75 gift certificate and no longer eligible for the $50 prize
- All submissions must be the original work of the entrant
- Participants are free to submit multiple entries
- For more information, visit the Photo Contest Website
- View the Contest Rules
The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive pest that poses a great threat to California's agriculture. It was first discovered in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since taken the east coast by storm, causing damage to many plant species and proving to be difficult to control. Although this pest hasn't been found in California, it is important to keep an eye out to catch an invasion early.
What does the spotted lanternfly look like?
The SLF adult is about 1 inch in length with grayish wings, black spots, and red hind wings. Egg masses are laid in the fall on the east coast and resemble splotches of mud. They are often laid on smooth surfaces like branches, rocks, or outdoor furniture. Early nymphs are very small, wingless, and black with white spots. The last nymphal stage is 1/2 inch long and red with white and black markings.
What damage does the spotted lanternfly cause?
On the east coast, the spotted lanternfly's preferred host is the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but it will also feed heavily on grapes, maples, willows, and birch trees. SLF feeds on plant sap and excretes honeydew, which can cause sooty mold to grow on leaves and fruit. It is known to kill black walnut saplings, tree-of-heaven, and grapevines. However, for most other plants SLF is considered a plant stressor and healthy plants can usually tolerate feeding.
What can you do to help keep the spotted lanternfly out?
Spotted lanternfly is easily transported to new areas as egg masses on firewood, stone, cars, and furniture. Check vehicles and trailers when traveling to areas where SLF has been confirmed. Inspect items purchased or shipped from these areas, and don't move firewood. Familiarize yourself with the various ways that SLF egg masses may appear and report any potential sightings to the CDFA Pest Hotline: 1-800-491-1899.
If you want to learn more, visit the UC IPM Spotted Lanternfly page and consider taking the California Master Gardener Spotted Lantern Fly training module.
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
As California Invasive Species Week (June 3-11) approaches, it's time to raise awareness about the impact of invasive plants on our natural ecosystems and the importance of making informed plant choices. Invasive species can have detrimental effects on local flora and fauna, often outcompeting other plants for resources and disrupting local ecosystems. By selecting plants that are well-suited to your environment and not invasive, you can make a positive contribution to preserving California's diverse landscapes.
Many invasive plants can be aesthetically pleasing and low-maintenance, making them a popular choice for gardeners. However, invasive plants can spread rapidly, taking over natural habitats and causing significant environmental damage. Invasive species often have few natural predators, enabling them to grow uncontrollably and outcompete other plants for resources like water, sunlight, and nutrients. This can lead to the loss of biodiversity, reduced habitat quality for wildlife, and increased risk of erosion and wildfires.
Examples of Invasive Plants in California:
1. Periwinkle (Vinca major) - This evergreen groundcover is a popular species because of its beautiful purple blooms. Periwinkle forms dense mats that can smother native plants and alter soil chemistry. Instead of periwinkle, try planting native groundcovers like California lilac (Ceanothus spp.) or hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea).
2. Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) - This ornamental grass is highly adaptable and has invaded many natural habitats, including grasslands and coastal sage scrub. Instead, opt for native grasses like purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) or deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens or the smaller version Muhlenbergia dubia).
3. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) - A tall, clumping grass with feathery blooms that can quickly dominate landscapes and outcompete native species. Consider planting native ornamental grasses such as blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis) or switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) as alternatives to pampas grass.
4. Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) - This fast-growing tree can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants and can sprout vigorously from root fragments. Plant California native trees like sycamore (Platanus racemosa) or western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) instead of the invasive tree of heaven.
As we celebrate California Invasive Species Week, remember the importance of choosing native plants for your garden. By doing so, you can preserve biodiversity, and contribute to the overall health of our communities. The UC Master Gardener Program is a resource for guidance and education in sustainable gardening practices, including the selection of non-invasive plants. By working together, we can protect California's rich and diverse landscapes for generations to come. To learn more about mindful plant selection and how to create a beautiful, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly garden, visit the UC Master Gardener Program at mg.ucanr.edu/findus. Connect with your local UC Master Gardener Program, and access a wealth of gardening information tailored to your local climates and ecosystems.
Additional Resources:
- California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) - https://www.cal-ipc.org/ - Cal-IPC is a leading organization dedicated to protecting California's wildlands from invasive plants through research, restoration, and education.
- California Native Plant Society (CNPS) - https://www.cnps.org/ - CNPS is a non-profit organization that promotes the understanding and appreciation of California's native plants and preserves them in their natural habitat.
- PlantRight - https://plantright.org/ - PlantRight works with California's nursey industry to keep invasive plants out of our landscapes and promotes the sale of non-invasive alternatives.
Help keep the conversation going during California Invasive Species Week by sharing your native plant success stories on social media using the hashtag #CAInvasiveSpeciesWeek. Participate in local events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities to increase awareness and take action against invasive species in your community. Together, we can make a difference and preserve California's unique and vibrant ecosystems for future generations!
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
The upcoming Paul Schrader film, "Master Gardener," fuses the gripping elements of a thriller with the serene world of horticulture, crafting a narrative that contrasts the real-life commitment of a UC Master Gardener.
The drama “Master Gardener” brings to the screen the journey of meticulous horticulturist, Narvel Roth (played by Joel Edgerton), whose tranquil life at Gracewood Gardens - a magnificent estate managed for wealthy dowager Mrs. Haverhill (Sigourney Weaver) - gets entangled in a web of dark secrets with the arrival of Mrs. Haverhill's troubled great-niece, Maya (Quintessa Swindell).
This film draws parallels between this captivating story and the dedication of real-life UC Master Gardeners, who are similarly committed to fostering growth, not just in gardens, but also in their communities. The intriguing blend of thrilling drama with the art and science of gardening provides a fascinating backdrop to the film. Interestingly, it's also a nod towards the real-life commitment and expertise demanded from UC Master Gardener volunteers.
In the real world, becoming a UC Master Gardener isn't about unlocking dark secrets but rather about unlocking the secrets of nature. It requires a willingness to learn, dedication, and a keen eye for detail – traits our fictional Master Gardener, Narvel Roth, seems to have.
The journey to becoming a UC Master Gardener can be as intriguing (though, fortunately, far less dangerous!) as the plot of Schrader's film. Joining the UC Master Gardener Program begins with robust training with 50 hours of instruction in horticulture fundamentals. From understanding plant biology, integrated pest management, soil health, to irrigation principles, the learning curve is steep but rewarding.
Much like Narvel, UC Master Gardeners in real life spend a significant portion of their time nurturing gardens and landscapes. They are deeply committed to the plants in their care, developing a bond that might seem strange to those who don't share this passion. However, the role of a UC Master Gardener extends far beyond gardening for personal enjoyment. They are volunteers at heart, dedicated to sharing their knowledge with their community. This might involve educational programs, workshops, or community garden projects – a far cry from the chaos that descends upon Narvel and his new apprentice.
The film, as thrilling as it promises to be, paints a stark contrast to the joyful, community-focused reality of a UC Master Gardener. Yet, both convey the same underlying message: gardening is a serious commitment and a lifelong passion that can require dedication, patience, and constant learning.
So, as we await the edge-of-the-seat suspense and drama of "Master Gardener," let's raise a toast to the real-life UC Master Gardeners who, amidst their toil with soil, seeds, and shears, continue to bring beauty, knowledge, and growth to our communities. Without the added drama, of course!
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a UC Master Gardener volunteer, please visit our website at mg.ucanr.edu/findus, and connect with your local county program. Here, you'll find information about the next training class and how to take the first step toward becoming part of the UC Master Gardener community.
