In the News
1,800 Climate-Ready Trees Provided to Residents of Low Shade Neighborhoods
To date, over 1,800 climate-ready shade trees and tips on their planting and long-term care have been provided by UC Master Gardeners and over 20 partners to residents of low shade neighborhoods in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties through the “Trees for Tomorrow Start Today” project. Tree species given away are identified from research projects including the joint University of California/United States Forest Service (USFS) study at UC Riverside as well as from other research, local observations, and input from the green industry and academic colleagues.
The "Trees for Tomorrow Start Today" project was implemented in 2019 by Area UC Cooperative Extension Horticulture Advisor Janet Hartin with support from the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District. A "train the trainer" model provided education to Master Gardener volunteers from San Bernardino County on project elements and follow-up. Master Gardeners now manage many of the events. In 2023, the program expanded into Riverside County. Several other Master Gardener programs throughout the state have also expressed interest in implementing the "Trees for Tomorrow Start Today" project.
Why is this project so important? 95% of Californians now reside in cities and suburban environments. Resulting urban heat islands created by built environments coupled with impacts of climate change can be mitigated through nature-based solutions. Planting climate-ready shade trees now will help ensure cooler urban areas in the next several decades as trees mature and maximize their urban ecosystem benefits. Fortunately, the shade from a single well-placed tree can decrease surface temperatures of black asphalt and artificial turf by more than 70 degrees F in hot inland and desert cities. Studies show that surrounding air temperatures can also be reduced through the transpiration process.
A major goal of the"Trees for Tomorrow Start Today" project is to enhance tree canopy cover in low shade neighborhoods also plagued with much higher than average levels of air pollution and pulmonary and cardiovascular disease incidence. Events over the past month have occurred in Fontana, San Bernardino, and the Salton Sea.
Other partners include San Bernardino County, City of San Bernardino, California Climate Action Fellows, Tree People, Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District, Alianza Coachella Valley, Inland Empire Urban Conservation Corps, several water districts, and other groups.
Thank you to all our partners and, especially, our tree recipients, for greening and cooling your yard and neighborhood!
Cultivating History and Community with The Heritage Rose Garden of Jackson, California
Cultivating History and Community with the Heritage Rose Garden of Jackson, California
Nestled in the heart of Amador County lies the Heritage Rose Garden, where the beauty of old roses meets the spirit of community. Here, UC Master Gardener volunteers have been hard at work, not only preserving the past but also teaching sustainable gardening practices to visitors from all walks of life.
The Heritage Rose Garden's story began with a mission to save a precious collection of heritage roses. Judy and Bob Dean, with their extensive collection of rare roses, narrowly escaped destruction during the Butte fire of 2015. Recognizing the need to protect these treasures, Bob Dean proposed the idea of creating a "backup" garden accessible to the public. This vision sparked a partnership between the UC Master Gardener Program and Mother Lode Land Trust (MLLT), aligning with their mission to preserve wildlife habitat and agriculture. Together, they laid the groundwork for a collaborative effort that blossomed into the Heritage Rose Garden located in Jackson, Calif. By 2023, the Heritage Rose Garden inspired continued partnership on the property with the completion of a propagation house, vegetable garden beds, fruit trees and compost education station. All of these new developments serve as a teaching space for the community. The Master Gardeners partnered in 2023 with Amador County Library to teach monthly hands-on, all-age workshops in this newly created space which is adjacent to the Heritage Rose Garden.
Guided by UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) environmental horticulture advisors, UC Master Gardeners meticulously designed the garden, incorporating integrated pest management (IPM) principles to create a sustainable, pesticide-free landscape. Today, the Heritage Rose Garden boasts not only a diverse collection of heritage roses but also native plants, and thriving pollinators, all flourishing under their stewardship.
However, the Heritage Rose Garden's significance extends far beyond its botanical beauty. It serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration, with UC Master Gardeners partnering closely with local gardening clubs, rose societies, nurseries, and youth groups to cultivate a shared sense of stewardship for the land. Situated within the community of Jackson, the Heritage Rose Garden serves as a welcoming gathering place for residents of Amador County and visitors alike.
Education is at the heart of the Heritage Rose Garden's mission. Through a wide array of classes, workshops, demonstrations, and open garden days, UC Master Gardeners have significantly expanded outreach, welcoming more than 800 visitors a year. Volunteers have logged thousands of hours, contributing to the garden's success and impact. The unique mix of old roses, natives, and heirloom plants showcases what visitors can achieve in their own gardens. Public education classes show tangible results, with more than 80% reporting improved “right plant, right place” and water conservation practices. The Heritage Rose Garden serves as a living classroom, demonstrating the benefits of sustainable gardening practices and inspiring visitors to create their own thriving gardens.
As visitors wander through the Heritage Rose Garden's winding pathways, they encounter a tapestry of history, community, and natural beauty. With each rose in bloom and each lesson shared, UC Master Gardeners are not only preserving the past but also sowing the seeds for a more sustainable and connected future.
To learn more about the Heritage Rose Garden or to plan a visit please visit: ucanr.edu/sites/Amador_County_MGs/Heritage_Rose_Garden/
Pruning Roses and Cultivating Beauty
Pruning roses is not just a chore; it's an important practice for nurturing vibrant, healthy roses and fostering the beauty of your garden. In California, where the climate is favorable for growing roses, understanding the significance of pruning is key to achieving thriving and healthy roses.
Why Prune?
Pruning isn't merely about maintaining a tidy appearance; it's about promoting the overall well-being of your roses:
- Annual pruning stimulates plant and shoot growth, leading to larger blooms and a more robust structure.
- Removing dead, damaged, or diseased canes minimizes the risk of fungal infections and pest infestations, fostering plant health.
- Thinning out dense growth improves air circulation within the plant, reducing the likelihood of fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.
- Shaping the plant through pruning enhances its visual appeal, creating a more attractive landscape.
When to Prune
Timing is important when it comes to pruning roses. In California, where winters are mild, the ideal time for pruning is typically between late winter and early spring. Pruning during dormancy allows the plant to focus its energy on new growth when spring arrives.
How to Prune
Pruning may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes a manageable task:
- If the plant is dormant (recommended), remove all remaining leaves.
- Use sharp, clean pruning shears and loppers to make precise cuts, minimizing damage to the plant.
- Trim back old growth by about one-third to improve visibility and encourage new growth. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing canes to maintain a healthy structure.
- Make pruning cuts approximately ¼-1/2” above an outward-facing bud. Pruning cuts should be at a 45-degree angle, sloping away from the outward-facing bud.
- Create an open, vase-like shape by removing canes from the center of the plant. This promotes airflow and sunlight penetration, which is essential for plant health.
- Clear away debris and old leaves to prevent disease spread. Consider applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil during dormancy to control pests.
Conclusion
Pruning roses is a fundamental aspect of rose care that should not be overlooked. By understanding the importance of pruning and following basic pruning principles, you can nurture thriving roses that add beauty and vitality to your garden year after year. For more details on growing roses and pruning timelines for your area contact your local UC Master Gardener Program.
Facebook Live: Search for Excellence, Cross Pollination, Growing Abilities: Cultivating Independence and Community in the Garden
Join us on Facebook on Friday, January 12 for a LIVE event as we learn about El Dorado County's award-winning project, "Cultivating Independence and Community in the Garden." The UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County, in partnership with CalFresh Healthy Living and Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises (MORE), created a community garden in California's El Dorado County that served as more than just a gardening space. It offered life skills, self-confidence, and fostered a strong sense of community. Their efforts to provide equal opportunities and inclusivity for adults with disabilities at MORE was recognized as one of the Search for Excellence winners. In a world often focused on individual achievement, this project serves as a reminder of the transformative power of community and collaboration.
No registration or special link needed, the talks will be streamed LIVE to Facebook and YouTube.
Speakers:
Tracy Celio, Program Manager Central Sierra, UC Master Gardener Program
Diane Hernandez, UC Master Garden Volunteer El Dorado County
Cailin McLaughlin, CalFresh Healthy Living, Garden Coordinator
Date: Friday, January 12
Time: Noon
Link: https://fb.me/e/8ntmrDNJd
Facebook Live is an authentic and interactive way to interact with our audience in real time. It also allows the ability to build value, trust and raise brand awareness of the UC Master Gardener Program. Share the Facebook Live opportunity on your personal and local program pages and tune in to the UC Master Gardener Program Facebook Live broadcast! Let us know in the comments section what topics or questions you would like answered on Monday or on future Facebook Live topics.
Facebook Live: Search for Excellence, Soboba Cultural Garden: Connecting the Past with the Future
Join us on Facebook on Thurs., Dec. 14 for a LIVE event as we learn about Riverside County's award-winning project, "Soboba Cultural Garden: Connecting the Past with the Future." The UC Master Gardener of Riverside County's work within the Soboba Cultural Garden stood out as an extraordinary testament to the power of gardening in honoring cultural heritage and nurturing a vibrant community. The goal of the Soboba Cultural Garden was and is still “To develop a cultivation system that is grounded in traditional tribal knowledge and connection to the land, while promoting food sovereignty and providing accessibility to health and wellness for its members.” No registration or special link needed, the talks will be streamed LIVE to Facebook and YouTube.
Speakers:
Thurman Howard, UC Master Gardener Volunteer Riverside County
Georgia Renne, UC Master Gardener Volunteer Riverside County
Date: Thursday, Dec. 14
Time: Noon
Link to recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/XMdM0XiWsIc?si=KH1Wui5D2lc8k7Xs
Facebook Live is an authentic and interactive way to interact with our audience in real time. It also allows the ability to build value, trust and raise brand awareness of the UC Master Gardener Program. Share the Facebook Live opportunity on your personal and local program pages and tune in to the UC Master Gardener Program Facebook Live broadcast! Let us know in the comments section what topics or questions you would like answered on Monday or on future Facebook Live topics.