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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County

The Latest Dirt - July 2024

UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Black Dot Mystery Perplexes Help Desk Team

July 16, 2024
By Susan Heckly Clients conundrum In May, a client from Trilogy in Brentwood called and described some sort of pest all over a neighbors walls, windows, and plants. She described it as small black dots of stuck-on material.
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Dawn Kooyumjian Welcomes Us to Her Garden

July 16, 2024
by David George Contra Costa County UC Master Gardener Program Coordinator Dawn Kooyumjian has been responsible for the business side of the program since June 2016. But do you really know Dawn? She and I had a chance to chat last week during a break in her many official duties.
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Warmup to Prepare for Gardening

July 16, 2024
By Laura Brainin-Rodriguez Like any physical activity, preparing our bodies for gardening is a good idea. It is recommended that we do 5 minutes of a warmup, such as walking around the garden, followed by some gentle stretches.
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Gardening for all Ages

July 16, 2024
By Laura Brainin-Rodriguez As we age, we may develop injuries due to overuse or mishaps. This can affect our balance, coordination, and/or eyesight, as well as our joints. We will discuss the body mechanics, tools, and equipment we can use to continue making gardening a vital part of our lives.
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

The Mysterious Sphinx Moth Caterpillar

July 16, 2024
This beautiful caterpillar was recently found in the Water Conservation Garden. It is easily recognizable by its robust body, vivid coloration, and distinctive horns at the rear end, which give it the nickname "hornworm.
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Worms, Bees, Rainwater: An Update from the Water Conservation Garden

July 16, 2024
Article & photos by Liz Rottger I want to update you on the progress weve been making at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cerrito. We have regularly scheduled work parties on the second Saturday of the month, but I know many of you cant make our work parties.
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Living in Wildfire Country: Summer Tasks

July 16, 2024
Article & Photos by Marilyn Saarni Our wildfire season is officially hereits early this year, with our rainy winter producing plenty of vegetation. The summer heat is drying out many plants, while water consumption is increasing.
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Richmond Dry Garden Receives Well-Earned Honor

July 16, 2024
On June 25, the Richmond Dry Garden and UC Master Gardeners received a proclamation from the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) recognizing the successful collaboration between the City of Richmond Parks and Landscaping Division and the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County that restor...
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

New Our Garden Murals On Display

July 16, 2024
Becky Griffin, wife of UC Master Gardener Steve Griffin, painted these two whimsical and welcoming murals on the side of the Our Garden shed fence. Photos by Greg Letts.
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