Master Gardener Projects

Ann Hamilton, Larry Cornell and crew at John Muir Historic Site.

Master Gardeners volunteer to work in their local Extension office on various projects related to horticulture. Individual Master Gardeners bring a wealth of expertise to the program.

We are just starting an exciting new project at the John Muir Historic site -- installing a demonstration native garden in front of the visitors center. It's started and will be ongoing through the fall until the native plants are in the ground. A new irrigation controller with a weather station that automatically measures water needs will be a highlight of this garden. When the garden is completed, visitors will be able to see it in use.

• Help Desk- The Master Gardener "Help Desk" is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to noon to answer your questions on home gardening and pest control. This service is free of charge and is staffed by experienced gardeners, highly trained to answer your questions. For advice call (925)646-6586 or write to 75 Santa Barbara Road, Second Floor, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. Samples of insects, weeds and diseased plants may be taken to the office for diagnosis.

• Farmers Markets- Staff Advice Tables to answer specific questions about pest and disease problems, local varietal information, soil questions and microclimate variables.

  -Concord Farmers Market
  -Orinda Farmers Market
  -Richmond Farmers Market
  -San Ramon Farmers Market

• Public Events- Provide information regarding current local gardening issues.

  -Earth Day
  -Farm Days
  -Clayton Pumpkin Farm
  -Contra Costa County Fair
  -Richmond Environmental Faire

• Public Gardens- Teach gardening classes, demonstrate gardening techniques and lead tours.

  -Gardens at Heather Farm
  -John Muir House
  -Markham Arboretum
  -Alzheimers Garden
  -Dow Wetlands
  -Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden
  -Forest Home Farms
  -Mt. View Sanitary District
  -Ruth Bancroft Garden
  -Walnut Creek Civic Park Restoration
  

• Exotic Pest Projects- Work with Farm Advisors and state Agriculture Department personnel to monitor pest populations, provide public education and reduce exotic pest (weeds and imported insects) populations.

  -Codling Moth Survey
  -Cherry Buckskin Survey - The early identification and removal of infected trees is the key to an IPM program for cherry buckskin disease. The survey has kept this devastating disease from getting established in the county. As a result, cherry trees in this county rarely need any kind of pesticide treatment.
  -Star Thistle Removal

• Gardening News- Provide articles for local newspapers on current gardening issues and speakers for libraries, businesses and garden clubs throughout Contra Costa County.

  -Speakers Bureau
  -Contra Costa Times
  -Central Contra Costa Sanitary District IPM Program

• School Gardens-Provide instruction and consultation for public and private schools.

  -Bancroft School Garden
  -Garden of Learning
  -Mt. Diablo Pre-School
  -Rubicon
  

• Master Gardener Web Site- Web site established and maintained to provide regional horticultural information and information on the Master Gardener program.
  
  
  
  
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