By Liz Engh
I continue to be astounded by what I don’t know and am grateful to be an old dog able to learn a few new tricks, oh, I mean gardening gems.
The UC Master Gardener training was like having the entire Bancroft Library thrown at me and was a bit overwhelming. I didn’t really get to savor the personalities and dedication of our instructor volunteers and my fellow students. Since graduation, the pace has been slower, allowing me to get to know and enjoy my classmates and instructors, and it has been a total treat. Also working alongside other UC Master Gardeners has been lovely, and yes, I have been shamed into growing vegetables.
All aspects of the Great Tomato Plant Sale were amazing. I loved the camaraderie of “potting up” seedlings and actually balanced my cash register as a cashier (I disproved the saying “never trust a lawyer’s numbers”). I am looking forward to the 2026 GTPS.
The Help Desk has been a terrific learning experience. Bonnie Dwyer has shown incredible patience and brilliance in her mentorship. I do like working in an “in-person” group setting and having input from multiple UC Master Gardeners on perplexing questions. I think I will come to appreciate the Quality Assurance meetings the more I advance. I was thrilled to recently get my own access card key and no longer feel trapped by the locked MG Bisso Doors.
I do love the Farmers’ Markets and have participated in a number of the local markets. Since I have sun and heat issues, I was quite appreciative of the Shadelands Ask A Master Gardener booth with its early morning shift. Martinez remains my favorite, and I’ll sign up again next year to hear teenage boys’ stories of Great Blue Herons stalking and consuming gophers.
In our divisive political climate, it has been a pleasure and a calling to participate in an endeavor that offers universal, healthy perspectives and serves all our community members.
I love this program.
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