By Brian Moore —
MARIPOSA — When we moved onto our property in 1999, I planted a garden. I did not use any amendments; the vegetables and flowers were radiant and our harvest abundant. Then came the battles. Along with the insects came moles, gophers, ground squirrels and devastating deer. 18 years into gardening in Mariposa County, we are again making headway, thanks in a large part to the cooperative knowledge and willing help of the UCCE Master Gardeners of Mariposa County.
Dan Horner, Jaime Collins and Lynn Breshears (three seasoned UC Master Gardeners) will illustrate how to have thriving gardens in the context of the Sierra Foothill wildlife. Their free presentation will be at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 5100 Bullion St. Mariposa on April 14, Saturday, from 2 – 4 p.m.
The presenters combine years of gardening experience and research. They will explain techniques to promote healthy, animal free, gardens. The following topics will be covered:
• Legal issues surrounding pest management
• How to manage gophers and voles
• How to keep ground squirrels out of your garden
• How to keep deer out of your garden
Understanding the behaviors, habitats, and cycles of the animals visiting our gardens gives us reasonable options in caring for the land. Issues like poisoning, trapping, diverting and creating barriers are all important in dealing with wild animals in our gardens. There will be an interactive time of taking questions and addressing specific wildlife garden issues. A listing of “deer safe” plants will be given to everyone at the presentation. I hope to see you there.
To ensure adequate seating and materials registration is required. Register at http://cemariposa.ucanr.edu or call (209) 966-2417.
Let the University of California Master Gardeners of Mariposa County help you with university-based research on gardening in our foothill locale.
Our resources include our website, local newspaper and radio program spots, Facebook page, and many excellent workshops. We also have a Helpline and Help Desk where you can ask questions specific to your own plant and garden needs.
Beginning in March, the Helpline and Help Desk are manned Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 2 – 5 p.m. Please call us, stop by and visit us, or email your questions. Feel free to leave us a message or email and Master Gardeners will research your question and get back to you as soon as possible.
Master Gardener Office Location:
UC Cooperative Extension Office,
5009 Fairgrounds Road
Mariposa, CA 95338
Phone: (209) 966-7078
Email: mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu
Website: http://cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master_Gardener/
Please note, this article was amended to reflect a change of time:
TIME CHANGE CORRECTION
UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County will be offering a free workshop, “Not Tonight Deer,” on Saturday, April 14 from 2:00-4:00 at the Board of Supervisors office in Mariposa (5100 Bullion St., Mariposa CA 95338). Topics covered include how to keep deer, squirrels and gophers out of your garden as well as legal issues regarding pest management. Register online at http://cemariposa.ucanr.edu or call (209) 966-2417.
