Ongoing research

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Very tall pruned Manzanita on a steep hill. Photo by Hedwig Van Den Broeck.
UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Aesthetic Pruning: Taking pruning a step further

September 27, 2023
by Hedwig Van Den Broeck There is something magical about strolling through nature, where fauna and flora thrive without human interference. Our California natives - whether groundcovers, shrubs, or trees - just appear to be having a great time doing what they do best: growing effortlessly.
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Photo by Greg Letts.
UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

A Season in Review

September 27, 2023
by Janet Miller The end of the main growing season is approaching, and what a season it has been, both at the Walnut Creek demonstrating garden, Our Garden ) and in our own gardens. In comparison with other winters in our part of the country, this winter was particularly long, wet, and, cold.
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Courtesy of Jain Irrigation USA.
UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Try These Strategies to Use Less and Store More Water

September 27, 2023
by Lori Palmquist Its September, and the leaves are turning color, detaching, and floating to the Earth to form a mantle that feeds and shelters the soil and the resident soil organisms.
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Anna's hummingbird feeding on California fuchsia. Community Garden Demonstration Project. Fairmont Park. El Cerrito. Photo by TJ Gehling.
UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Winter Gardens for the Birds!

September 27, 2023
by Lorraine Frey Believe it or not, summer will soon be coming to an end. Its therefore time to think about the fall garden and the birds we want to see and protect through the winter First, we need to re-think fall "Cleanup".
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Courtesy UCANR.
UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Small Spaces Gardening: Growing Succulents in Containers

September 27, 2023
by David George Succulents are popular patio container or indoor plants in Contra Costa County. Many are easy to grow in shady or dry conditions, which often challenge other container plants.
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Courtesy of Anne Sutherland.
UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Be Kind to Your Tools to Be Kind to Your Plants

September 27, 2023
by Cynthia Engers Its easy to take our trusted garden tools for granted, but sometimes they, too, need care and attention. And that care entails cleaning, sharpening, and disinfecting.
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Paulina Rojas, PhD student in the UC Davis Ecology Graduate Group and research project leader Samuel Sandoval Solis, UC Cooperative Expension specialist in water resources managment offering pulque tasting to an event attendee.
Nuestra Comunidad: Article

UC scientists share techniques to sustainably grow agave in California

September 27, 2023
By Diana Cervantes
Tasting event showcases research on production of agave for tequila, mezcal and more A group of University of California researchers and collaborators is developing innovative agricultural techniques for growing agave in California without compromising natural resources.
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Kern County: Article

4-H Network October 2023

September 27, 2023
Important information in this edition of 4-H Network Newsletter regarding 4-H Council Officer nominations...
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