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Fall 2026 Workshops
September
Irrigation
Friday, September 11, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden
Drip irrigation is arguably the most efficient method of providing water to trees, crops, gardens, and landscapes. The surface drip irrigation system emitter was first developed in Israel, where the dry climate makes water conservation a necessity. This workshop will provide an overview of different options available for drip irrigation systems and how to install them. You will also learn how to troubleshoot and inspect your system, and how to make repairs when needed.
Composting is Good for Your Garden and the Environment
Saturday, September 19, 9–10:30am
Demonstration Garden
Using compost helps grow healthier plants, reduces landfill, saves water, and improves the soil. This workshop will teach you how to compost at home and how to get started.
Vegetable Gardening
Saturday, September 26, 9–10:30am
Demonstration Garden
Growing your own food is satisfying, healthy, and delicious! This workshop focuses on selecting the best available site in your garden for growing vegetables; determining whether to plant in the ground or in raised beds; preparing the site; irrigation requirements; garden planning; and, finally, planting and maintenance of the garden.
Register for Vegetable Gardening
October
Registration will be available Sept 1.
Propagation
Friday, October 2, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden
Learn the best time to propagate woody perennials and divide plants; how to select and make cuttings; the proper techniques for dividing plants; the best planting mediums to use; and how to plant cuttings and divided plants. Materials and techniques will be discussed and handouts will be provided.
Native Bees and Other Pollinators in Your Garden
Offered in partnership with OLLI
Saturday, October 3, 10–11:30am
Bradley 2 at the Social
Because of their critical contribution to plant reproduction and diversity, pollinating species are considered keystone indicators of environmental health. Join a local expert from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to learn more about these species, and ways to attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.
Gophers, Moles, and Voles
Friday, October 9, 10–11:30am
Demonstration Garden
There is nothing peskier than vertebrate pests in your garden. Join us to gain some knowledge about how to deal with these monsters that plague your yard. We will also have a Master Gardener available to show you exactly how to set gopher traps.
Care and Pruning of Fruit Trees
Saturday, October 10, 10–11:30 am
Private residence in Paradise, 12 participants
Learn about the different fruit tree bearing habits and how they guide pruning decisions to ensure regular bearing and good fruit size. This workshop will take place in a Master Gardener’s orchard to demonstrate and discuss the best way to prune various fruit trees. We will discuss how to bring a large fruit tree that has outgrown its space (or your ability to take care of it) down to a manageable size. Grapevine and berry pruning will also be covered. Finally, we will explain how to prepare fruit trees for winter dormancy. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers.
Improving Your Soil
Monday, October 12, 1–2:30pm
Terry Ashe Recreation Center
John Thompson, General Manager of Butte Valley Supply and the Earthworm Soil Factory, will be speaking on the four principles of soil health and how they apply to home gardens, landscapes, and local growing conditions here in Butte County. His talk will focus on practical ways to build living soil, improve water retention, support plant health, and work with natural systems to create healthier, more resilient gardens.
Growing Cut Flowers and Making a Hand-Held Bouquet NEW
Wednesday, October 14, 11am–1pm
Pat's Barn
This is the first of a two-part series aimed at helping you make your cut flower dreams come true. Each class can stand alone, or be taken together for a more comprehensive study of the world of cut flowers.This first class introduces a number of considerations when growing and arranging cut flowers, from preparation and hydration to vase life and arrangement basics. You will gain the confidence to start creating arrangements that will brighten your home or office. We will also practice using the French spiral technique to build hand-held bouquets that you will take home with you.
Growing Cut Flowers and Creating an Arrangement in a Vase NEW
Wednesday, October 21, 11am–1pm
Pat's Barn
This class is the second of a two part series. In this class we will delve into the subject of flowers that grow well in our area for cut flowers, and how to work them into your existing garden space so you will have beautiful flowers to bring inside. We will build arrangements that you will take home with you.
Demystifying Herbs NEW
Tuesday, October 27, 11am–1pm
Pat’s Barn
Learn the time-honored practical skills of planting, growing and harvesting herbs in this interactive workshop. You will leave with the knowledge you need to get started and keep growing herbs, or take your herb garden and culinary adventures to the next level. We will help take the mystery out of what herbs can do scientifically for the body, both as food and for pleasure. You’ll leave with resources and inspiration.
November
Registration will be available October 1st.
Pest Management (IPM)
Thursday, November 5, 10–11:30 AM
Pat's Barn
Insects are the most abundant animals on the planet, and only one percent of them are known to be pests. Learn how to identify insect pests and how to control them without using harmful insecticides.
How Does Your Garden Grow? Adaptations of California Native Plants
Saturday, November 7, 10am–12pm
Demonstration Garden
Plants are adapted to the specific conditions of their native environments, including temperature, available water, soil type, and interactions with other organisms. Adaptations, which are inherited and evolve over time in response to changing conditions, allow plants to continue to meet their needs. Join us in exploring the variety of adaptations which allow California natives to succeed in Butte County despite our hot and dry summers. After the workshop we will visit our two native plant gardens.
Pumpkin Succulent Centerpieces
In partnership with Patrick Ranch Museum
Sunday, November 22, 1–3pm
$55 per person, all plants and supplies will be included in the cost.
Pat’s Barn
Unleash your creativity as you make a beautiful pumpkin succulent planter to use as a centerpiece on your Thanksgiving table. These beautiful, long-lasting pumpkin centerpieces feature living plants and gorgeous pumpkins, and are the perfect addition to your fall decor. The succulents can be replanted when you’re done with the centerpiece.
About the Workshops
Registration
- Workshops are free—registration is required for all workshops.
- Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
- Heavy rain cancels outdoor workshops (unless noted); canceled workshops will be rescheduled.
Workshop Locations
- Bradley 2 at The Social 1400 W. 3rd St., Chico
- Chapman Park Teaching Garden at the Dorothy F. Johnson Center, 775 E 16th Street, Chico
- Demonstration Garden: Patrick Ranch, 10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham
- Pat’s Barn, Patrick Ranch, 10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham
- Terry Ashe Recreation Center, 6626 Skyway, Paradise
- Other locations: will be either indicated in the descriptions or for private residents registered participants will receive an address via email several days before the workshop.
Questions? Need to cancel?
Please email us at anrmgbutte@ucanr.edu. Be sure to include your phone number in case we need to contact you.
Give a Gift to the UC Master Gardeners of Butte County
Gifts help support our workshops, the Demonstration Garden at Patrick Ranch, and Master Gardener community outreach projects in Butte County. Thank you! Your support is greatly appreciated!