MARIPOSA — To get the best out of your fruit trees, you have to give them the best care with the right tools at the right time of the year, says Master Gardener Bob Labozetta. That right time is now. The Mariposa Master Gardeners will conduct a free, open to the public workshop on pruning fruit trees on Saturday, Feb. ...

By Bob Labozetta, Master Gardener —  In the last article of OtGF, we covered the proper techniques for planting bare root fruit and nut trees. If you have not yet, now is the time to prune such trees. By pruning at the time of planting (or close to it), you will more easily shape it to a desirable structure that ...

MARIPOSA — Mariposa Master Gardeners started the new year off nicely by announcing honors for members. Belinda Gilbert was named Volunteer of the Year, while special thanks of appreciation was offered for the contributions of office manager, Debbie Wass. Elna Philbert was awarded Honorary Status and Bob Labozetta was recognized as the Rising Star. Receiving a bee pin for 100 ...

By Bob Labozetta, Master Gardener —  MOUNTAIN AREA — Now is a great time to plant bare root fruit and nut trees, although anytime from January through March works. At this time there should be a wide selection of cultivars that are much less expensive than containerized specimens, making it easier to transport. The process of planting bare root fruit ...

MARIPOSA — Heavy winter rains, summer drought, devastating fires, firewise landscaping, and native plants are gardening issues that continue to occupy the minds of Sierra foothill residents. In its continuing effort to assist Mariposa homeowners, the Mariposa Master Gardeners will address plant choice with a public “Native Plants and Care” workshop on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. – 12 ...

COULTERVILLE – The coming of fall doesn’t dampen the itch to garden for those who love to dig in the dirt. The Mariposa Master Gardeners will host its annual Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fire House Garden, at the corner of Highway 49 and J132 in Coulterville. There will be ...

Written by Bob Labozetta — MARIPOSA — As is being witnessed now, wildland fire is the #1 natural disaster in Mariposa County, note members of Mariposa Master Gardeners. “Common to our Mediterranean climate at this time of year, wildfire is first and foremost among county residents’ concerns,” they say, asking, “How does one live in harmony within our natural wonderland ...

MARIPOSA — Local Master Gardeners are gearing up for their annual spring plant sale. Seeds are being selected and started, stem propagation is yielding results, and plans for garden art are being made. The Mariposa Master Gardeners sale will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out) at the Amigo Picnic Area at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. ...

MARIPOSA — Weeds: we all have them. We pull and we whack and we cut and we dig, and they always seem to come back. Mariposa Master Gardeners will present a free workshop, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Wading Through the Weeds in Mariposa County,” on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Board of ...