By Michele Nowak-Sharkey, UC Master Gardener of Mariposa County
The UC Master Gardener Program has been extending research-based information about home horticulture and pest management to the public since 1980. The UC Master Gardener Program is a public service and outreach program under the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, administered locally by participating UC Cooperative Extension County offices.
Here in Mariposa County, they have an active roster of 50+ volunteers. You may have seen them at a local event such as the Mariposa Butterfly Festival or overseeing the Horticulture building at the Mariposa County Fair. But beside being available for gardening advice at festivals, and events, the MGs of Mariposa are involved in many outreach projects.
Enjoy a stroll along Stroming Avenue in downtown Mariposa to see the MG Demonstration Garden of California Native Plants. MGs have helped to create a native plant garden in front of the California State Mining & Mineral Museum at the Fairgrounds.
California State Mining & Mineral Museum.
Stop by the MG table at the Farmers Market during the spring/summer season. The MG table is also where you can drop-off extra produce from your garden for the Plant A Row program that contributes surplus foods stuff to local organizations to combat food insecurity in the county.
UC MGs of Mariposa are active in school programs too, such as the Wasuma Elementary School garden and school field trips to Happy Goat Farms.
The helpline at 209-966-7078 or mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu is only a phone call or e-mail away for answers to gardening or pest management issues. And don’t forget their Annual Spring Plant sale in April at the fairgrounds to get your garden plant starts.
Watch for their public workshops on such topics as growing plants from seed, composting in your garden, or how to grow roses! And speaking of roses, the MGs have a committee to identify Heritage Roses throughout the county. Some of those roses might be part of a MG Farm and Garden tour too!
If you are looking for something to listen to while driving, you can catch the latest Over the Garden Fence program on KRYZ 98.5 FM on Wednesdays at 2:00 and Saturdays at 5:00.
And if you want to become a Master Gardener yourself, the next training will be in early 2024. Call the MG office for more information at 209-966-7078.
From their gardens to yours, let’s do some growing together!
Image by serenaste.
About UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County
UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County is located at 5009 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA. For more gardening and event information, visit their website or Facebook page (UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County).
UC Master Gardeners staff a helpline serving Mariposa County, including Greeley Hill, Coulterville, and Lake Don Pedro. Please contact them at 209-966-7078 or via e-mail at mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu.
Listen to them on the radio at KRYZ 98.5 FM on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.
Check out this great video by UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County!
