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California Native Plants section in the Demo Garden at Patrick Ranch. Laura Kling
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The Real Dirt

The Real Dirt blog covers regional gardening issues from soil health to planting for pollinators; from fire resistant landscaping to attracting wildlife. Read all about it!
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ANR News Releases

News releases share the latest updates on Extension activities and impact by scientists and staff across UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
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UC Master Gardeners of Merced County: Article

Garden To-Dos: June 2026

May 22, 2026
By Allison Plagenza
By Pat Shay, UC Master Gardener of Merced CountyHarvest herbs – cut sprigs just before bloom for best taste. Continue to monitor pests and remove with spray from hose. Try to avoid unnecessary chemical controls. Mulch to help retain moisture in soil and slow weeds. Leave ground open from base of plant to…
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Photo of cardboard layer on soil with hardware cloth beneath the cardboard

Darn Those Ground Squirrels!

May 22, 2026
By Melanie Marshall, UC Master Gardener of Napa County.  Many gardeners in Napa County have observed a rise in ground squirrel activity in their neighborhoods. If you are concerned about how this may impact your vegetable gardening efforts, there is no need to lose hope.   After careful research…
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ca natives wildflower poppies in native garden
UC Master Gardeners of Merced County: Event

California Native Plants Workshop

Jun 13, 2026

UC Master Gardeners of Merced County presents "California Native Plants", a Public Workshop on Saturday, June 13th from 10am-12pm. Presenter: Jim Brugger, California Native Plant Society In this workshop, participants will learn: 1. Why native plants are important 2. How native plants can be incorporated…
UC Master Gardeners of Merced County
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Workplace Inclusion and Belonging: Page

Climate Initiative

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to fostering freedom of expression and the free exchange of ideas, while also protecting safety, access, and a respectful environment for students, staff, faculty, other academic appointees, and volunteers.UC ANR does not discriminate on the basis of race,…
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A chocolate brown fleece tanned sheep hide.
Hopland Research and Extension Center: Event

Sheep Hide Tanning Workshop

Jul 24, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026

 Dates: July 24- July 26Times: Friday, July 24: 12pm-5pm Saturday, July 25: 8am-5pm Sunday, July 26: 8am-1pmCost: Full cost of class is $900, equity pricing from $650. Class size: Limited to 8 people, register early to avoid disappointment.Location: Hopland Research and Extension…
Hopland Research and Extension Center
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Long, thin, green needle grass planted among rock in a garden.
The Savvy Sage: Article

Ask a Master Gardener

May 22, 2026
Question: What landscape plants should I avoid planting because they are invasive or have other negative qualities, even though I might find them in a nursery? Answer: You’ve touched on the horticultural equivalent of the idea that “just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should be done.”…
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