A new public demonstration garden is about to open!
Located in the public walking space outside the Gehringer Community Garden fencing, at 1790 Lynwood Dr. in Concord, it will provide a real-life demonstration of the versatility and adaptability of California native plants. Join the community for the Launch Event on Saturday, April 4th from 1 to 3 PM, hosted by the Contra Costa UC Master Gardeners.
Interest in California native plants has grown rapidly during the past ten years. Native plants typically have low water and maintenance requirements, attract and support local wildlife such as pollinators and birds, and provide an attractive landscaping option for home gardens, public spaces, and commercial properties.
The Concord Chamber of Commerce CEO, Kevin Cabral, will be on hand to ‘cut the ribbon.’ UC Master Gardener volunteer docents will lead walkthroughs of the new garden and answer plant, irrigation, and maintenance questions. Visitors can stop by the “Ask a Master Gardener” booth stuffed with more gardening advice, handouts, and California Native flower seed packets for the public to take home and plant. Refreshments will be available. Come join us!
The new garden was designed and installed by UC Master Gardeners volunteers of Contra Costa County in partnership with Gehringer Community Garden. The project began three years ago when UC Master Gardener volunteer Phil Quinlan, approached Gehringer Community Garden management with the idea of converting a weed-choked public walking space in front of the community garden into a lovely space highlighting California natives.
After digging out unsightly weeds, a drip irrigation system was installed, then three different areas were planted to demonstrate sun-loving native plants, shade-tolerant varieties, and special natives that tolerate harsh growing conditions in a roadside parking strip. A park bench and information kiosk invite the public to pause and relax while learning more about California natives. The demonstration garden will be accessible year-round.
Congratulations to the development team of Contra Costa UC Master Gardener volunteers, Phil Quinlan, Anna Wendorf, Dorothy Abeyta, Bennet Berke, Jim Breuner, Bruce Dresser, Karen Goodwin, and Robin Harper. They will be happy to greet you on April 4th and show you around.
For more information about the Contra Costa UC Master Gardener Program, Gehringer Community Garden, and California natives, visit these online sites:
https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardener-program-contra-costa-county
https://www.facebook.com/gehringercommunitygarden/
https://calscape.org/
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