Nick Landolfi; Nick is a Research Immunologist and lifelong gardener who became a Master Gardener in 2018 upon his retirement from the biotechnology industry. He is a Soil Specialist, staffs the Master Gardener Helpline, and is a volunteer gardener at the Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center in Redwood City.  He frequently lectures on Soil Science and Best Gardening Practices, and enjoys maintaining his vegetable beds, herb gardens, grape vines and fruit trees, as well as caring for a Japanese garden with a koi pond.

 

Shilpa Thanawala: A San Carlos-based UC Master Gardener since 2013, Shilpa enjoys growing herbs, fruit, and vegetables to use in cooking and baking. Her small home garden contains more than 30 varieties of fruit trees, canes, and shrubs, a large herb garden, plants to support pollinators and beneficial insects, and California natives. She volunteers in the MG Soil Specialists group and teaches classes on growing herbs, pruning perennials, and soil care.