Spring Garden Fair Gardening Talks 2025

Adapting Your Home to Live With Fire

Barb Satink Wolfson, Area Fire Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension, will discuss ways to make homes more resilient to wildfire. This will include some dos and don’ts for homes and gardens that can make a big difference in reducing wildfire risk.

Invasive Species

Invasive Shot Hole Borers (ISHB) have been confirmed in Santa Clara County, threatening our urban forest and recreation areas. These tiny beetles traveled over 5,000 miles—likely in infected wood or packing materials—and have already killed tens of thousands of trees in Southern California. Now they're attacking our trees. In fact, more than 50 species of trees in the county, including sycamores and oaks, are threatened by beetle invaders.

How can you tell if your trees are affected by ISHB? Master Gardener Pamela Trounstine will show you the signs arborists look for, which trees can be treated and what actions we can take to protect resources that take years to mature. She'll also cover other mobile forest threats already here in California or causing major impacts in other states

Planting for Blooms and Pollinators

Flowers add such beauty to our gardens. They bring color to your home and they draw in a variety of pollinators for a healthy garden. Come listen to Master Gardener Nella Henninger explain why you should grow flowers in your garden and how to get started.

Growing Great Peppers

Join Master Gardener Laura Westley to learn all about growing great chilis/peppers in Santa Clara County. Whether you like them mild, medium, hot or extremely hot, there’s a pepper to grow for you! The best growing conditions, including temperature, soil, water, and fertilizing requirements will be discussed. Different varieties that do great in Santa Clara County will be shown.

Gardening with Natives

Learn how planting native companion plants can attract native bees, essential for buzz pollination of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Join Master Gardener Paula Stapleton to learn how native plants not only support these vital pollinators but also create competition that motivates European honey bees to be even more effective in your vegetable garden.

One World Kitchen Garden

Join Master Gardener Kathy Kaplan as she takes you on a journey around the world in the One World Kitchen Garden. You will see and learn about plants from around the world that provide food, and have an opportunity to discuss best practices for growing those plants.  

Spring Prep for Fruit Trees

The Orchard is popping right now, and there is lots to do in April to get the most out of your trees. We’ll discuss planting, pruning, fertilizing, watering, thinning, grafting and more. Plenty of time for questions, including before and after the talk when Don will be in The Orchard answering your fruit tree questions. Don Bollinger is the lead for The Orchard at our Martial Cottle Park demo garden.

Plant With Purpose—Grow Your Own Drink Ingredients! 

Imagine stepping onto your balcony or into your yard to harvest fresh, fragrant ingredients for delicious homemade drinks. What if you could do this without spending much money, needing a lot of space, or wasting water? In this 20-minute talk, you'll learn just how easy it is to grow a variety of plants that connect you to nature while elevating your beverages—whether crafting cocktails or simply infusing your water. Join Master Gardener Monique Frappier, and together explore six bountiful raised beds filled with purposeful plants, ready to inspire your next refreshing sip.

Tomato Success!

Are you ready for a taste of summer’s jewels? It’s time to plant tomatoes, and it’s really easy to do! Master Gardener Jim Bell will share what you need to know to grow your own great tomatoes.