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Summer 2026 NtGB
"Oh, the summer night has a smile of light, and she sits on a sapphire throne."
— Bryan Procter
A heartfelt thank you to all Contra Costa County residents who supported our Great Tomato Plant Sale this spring. Despite some very challenging weather conditions, your enthusiasm, patience, and continued support helped make the event a tremendous success.
As the days grow longer and summer settles into Contra Costa County, water is once again top of mind for gardeners. In this issue, we introduce a new series exploring our most precious natural resource. The first two articles examine why water conservation remains important and share simple strategies for using less water in your landscape. We also tackle the unique challenges of watering hillside gardens.
Are you looking to create a thriving garden? Learn how to support pollinators and discover the secrets to growing acid-loving plants. We also continue our composting series with an introduction to vermicomposting and show how easy it is to grow snap peas and green beans in containers.
Finally, we're excited to share the successful launch of our new Gehringer Demonstration Garden, a beautiful new resource for gardeners throughout Contra Costa County.
Grab a cold drink, find a shady spot, and get inspired!
Hedwig Van Den Broeck and Robin Mitchell, editors.
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List of Articles
Why We Should Care About Conserving Water
Part 1 of 2
We’ve received a respectable amount of rain in the three years since the drought was officially declared over in October 2023. So, you might ask, why should we care about conserving water now? Why are the water districts still strongly encouraging us to cut back? Why are we seeing a robust slate of offerings in their landscape water efficiency rebate programs?
Simple Strategies for Using Less Water
Part 2 of 2
You might ask how there can be good news when we’re highlighting drought, rising prices for potable water and wastewater services, and two state laws that are mandating water districts to comply with community water budgets that will get increasingly tighter over time.
The reality of all of this is that there has never been a better time to get assistance from our water districts.
Let's jump into those simple strategies
Hillside Gardens & Water Challenges
Watering a hillside garden requires special attention, particularly in areas with full sun and during dry spells.
The biggest challenge with irrigating a hill is preventing the water from running downhill before it has a chance to soak into the soil. Eliminating runoff is important for efficient irrigation and healthy plant growth.
How to deal with these challenges
Creating a Pollinator Garden
Pollinators, which include bees, wasps, beetles, moths, butterflies, other insects, and hummingbirds, are in decline. There are many factors for this, but one of the most significant is habitat loss, as well as the introduction of non-native plant species, pesticide usage, pollution, pests and diseases, and climate change.
Pollinators are needed for food production, but they also pollinate nearly 90% of our flowering plants, and without them, most flowering plants would go extinct, to the detriment of our entire ecosystem.
How to restore our local ecosystems
Growing Acid-Loving Plants Successfully
Are you captivated by the brilliant colors of azaleas, the intoxicating fragrance of gardenias, or the spectacular blooms of hydrangeas?
If you have admired these garden favorites from afar, thinking these acid-loving plants might be difficult to grow, you'll be pleased to know that success is largely a matter of proper soil preparation and site selection.
With a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful, thriving garden filled with acid-loving plants.
Read the simple steps to grow acid-loving plants
Worm Warriors: Getting Started with Vermicomposting
How would you like to recycle your kitchen scraps by turning them into "black gold," nutrient-rich worm castings? This can be accomplished by vermicomposting, which is the process of red wriggler worms turning food scraps into vermicompost or worm castings (worm “poop”).
Vermicomposting differs from traditional composting in the organisms that break down food scraps. Vermicomposting uses red wriggler worms, whereas traditional composting relies more on microorganisms to break down organic matter.
How to get started with Vermicomposting?
Growing Snap Peas and Green Beans in Containers for Small Spaces Gardening
Have you thought about growing snap peas or green beans in containers? It’s easy! These healthy and delicious dinner veggies can grow right on your deck or patio just outside your kitchen.
Both green beans and snap peas are excellent candidates for container gardening because they mature quickly and have relatively shallow root systems.
Learn how to Grow Snap Peas and Green Beans in Containers
New Gehringer Public Demonstration Garden
The new Gehringer California native plant demonstration garden in Concord is now open to the public! It’s located in the public walking space outside the Gehringer Community Garden, at 1790 Lynwood Dr. in Concord.
It demonstrates the versatility, adaptability, and survivability of California natives. The community and local dignitaries attended the launch of the new garden on April 4th.
Get inspired and learn more about native plants
Loose Leaves for this Summer
- Summer brings long days, abundant harvests, and plenty of activity in the garden. It's also a time when plants can experience heat stress, increased water demands, and pressure from pests. A few simple maintenance tasks can help keep your landscape healthy, productive, and beautiful throughout the season. Use this checklist to stay on top of key gardening activities and make the most of your summer garden.
- What happens when gardening becomes a pathway to learning, confidence, and community? UC Statewide's latest blog explores Jardineros, our innovative outreach project that is enriching lives and strengthening diverse communities across Contra Costa County. Read the inspiring story here.
- Interested in summer webinars? Here are the dates. When subscribed to this newsletter, you will receive an invite to register. These webinars are presented in partnership with the Contra Costa Library every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- July 21: Fall Gardening
- August 18: Tulips
- September 15: Firescaping
- Looking for gardening inspiration this summer? Demonstration garden talks at Our Garden and The Water Conservation Garden are in full swing, offering practical tips, expert advice, and plenty of ideas to take home to your own garden.
- Be sure to browse the Events Calendar on our website for upcoming talks & special events, as well as locations of Ask a Master Gardener tables in your neighborhood to get answers to your gardening questions and connect with fellow garden enthusiasts.
- In case you are interested, here is a blog post with your Frequently Asked Questions and the responses from the HelpDesk.
- For those looking to dive even deeper, both our UC Master Gardener website and the UCANR Pest Management website offer an extensive library of additional resources and guides to support your summer projects.
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