Archive Nut, Prune and Olive Programs

Dorothy Abeyta's Expert Approach to Fire Blight Dorothy Abeyta, a UC Master Gardener, frowned as she examined the sprawling pear tree. She quickly diagnosed the problem: fire blight. She explained, "It is a biotic disease caused by bacteria that overwinter, then become active in the spring. First signs…

Recently, the Contra Costa UC Master Gardener Help Desk received the following concern about the deer population in Walnut Creek. “I think the deer population has changed due to the climate crisis. I’ve lived here in Walnut Creek next to John Muir Medical Center for 35 years,” a local gardener wrote in.“They…

Photos by Simone Adair I had intended to write a piece about our December Recognition Event, a recap of all the happenings, presentations and details.  The more I thought it over, the less I could come up with to write down.  But less is more ~ and I rather think it would suffice to say in…

 In mid-January, at the Low Water Use Demonstration Garden in Richmond, I started digging up a large area of wild onions, the personal bane of my work there. I hardly noticed the small shrub nearby. It wasn’t until a few weeks later, still digging up the wild onions, when it began to leaf out with…

Photos by UC Master Gardeners Ask a Master Gardener (AAMG) started its season in March 2026. AAMG is unique in that we reach Contra Costa County residents as they go about their lives at Farmers Markets, Our Garden and single–day events throughout the county. Our season runs from March to October.Five…