UC Marin Master Gardeners are University of California-trained and certified volunteers who provide research-based knowledge and information on sustainable landscape practices, pest management and home horticulture to gardeners in Marin.
UPCOMING EVENTS
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MASTER GARDENER?
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Join the 2023 UC Marin Master Gardener Training Class to grow and share your gardening skills with your community! Become a more informed, earth-friendly gardener - click here for more details and to apply!
GARDEN WALKS for the mega-drought. Did you know that Marin Master Gardeners have a personalized Garden Walk program? You can book a time for Master Gardeners to come to your home. They will evaluate your water usage, plant selection and fire-safety. Our driest period is coming up. We need to both save water and save the plants in your garden. Water Wisely.
UNDERSTORY TREES: What is the nicest place in your garden? For many it is sitting under the shade of a tree. Some trees like this as well: It is a natural environment for “understory trees.” Understory trees like growing under the shade of another tree, perhaps an oak in your garden. Growing under another tree helps keep a tree small and creates a habitat in which trees assist each other. You can find understory trees to fit many habitats including drought tolerant ones. Be sure that an understory tree doesn’t create a fire ladder, though. 
HOUSE PLANTS can keep you and your house cooler and the air cleaner while you avoid the heat. Interested in growing these natural air-conditioners? Visit this page and watch this video for advice on soil, watering and growth for houseplants.
DO YOU GET THE LEAFLET? It’s a monthly newsletter designed for Marin gardeners. Sign up for the latest news, advice for your garden, helpful hints, and upcoming events. It’s a great way to stay informed. Join in!
IT'S FIRE SEASON: MULCH MINDFULLY. 
Mulch: material spread over the surface of the soil to help reduce water evaporation, keep soil moist, and save water. It might also add organic material to soil, reduce erosion and compaction, and help maintain a more even soil temperature and health.
MULCHING WITH FIRE SAFETY IN MIND:
• 0 feet to 5 feet from your house: non-combustible mulch such as stone, rock, pavers, decomposed granite, or gravel.
• 5 feet to 30 feet from your house: composted wood chips are considered the best choice for residential landscapes. Limit mulch depth to two inches. Separate wood chip areas with non-flammable hardscaping materials such as decomposed granite, gravel, rocks, and flagstone.
• 30 feet and beyond from your house: larger, composted or non-composted wood chips or bark nuggets up to a depth of 3 inches.
• Hazardous mulches TO AVOID: shredded western red cedar (gorilla hair) or pine needles. Do not use any fine, stringy mulches, as they burn faster than larger chunks.
Click here FOR MORE FIRE-SMART LANDSCAPING INFORMATION
When I first considered adding a native plant to my garden, the word “succulent” didn’t spring to mind. It does now. Succulents native to California range in size from tiny ground covers to the high desert Joshua Tree...
GO TO THE MARIN IJ ARCHIVE PAGE FOR MORE STORIES AND GARDENING TIPS!
| Event Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Fire-smarting an Established Landscape and the Use of Native Plants | 9/3/2022 |
| Pruning and Care of Wisteria | 9/7/2022 |
| Twenty Great Plants for Marin Gardens | 10/26/2022 |
| Re-Thinking the Lawn | 11/5/2022 |
MULCH CAN HELP YOUR PLANTS IN DROUGHT
ANTS: WHY DO THEY INVADE?
PG&E Video: PLANNING YOUR FIRE-RESISTANT HOME
Make a tax-deductible donation to support our program!
Find out more about University of California Cooperative Extension in Marin (Marin UCCE) and its mission to sustain a vital agriculture, environment and community.
