by angela@diggingbliss | Jan 11, 2007 | Uncategorized
I don’t live in Sacramento city proper, but used to, have friends and family who do, and very much want to help preserve their right to grow whatever plants they please, be they edible or ornamental.
A friend just forwarded this:
“… the issue regarding possible changes tothe City of Sacramento’s code language regarding front yard landscaping andthe possibility of growing fruits and vegetables is going in front of the Planning Commission tomorrow, Thursday, January 11. The meeting will be inthe Old/Historic City Hall (915 I Street), second floor and starts at 5:30, however the issue will be heard toward the end of the agenda, so we don’texpect it to be heard before 6:00. We really need as much support as we can- and public input at the meeting as possible – so please pass on this information and let as many people know as possible about the meeting.”
Show up tomorrow to demonstrate your support for edible, ornamental front yard gardens!
by angela@diggingbliss | Jan 5, 2007 | Uncategorized
Here’s the skinny from UC Cooperative Extension, Sacramento County.
Applications are currently being accepted for UC Master Gardener Volunteers.
The UC Master Gardener Volunteer Program is seeking applicants for the 2007 training program. Do you want to learn more about gardening? Do you have time to share your knowledge with the community? Are you a resident of Sacramenot County? If yes, the Master Gardener training program could be for you.
When and how do I apply to the program?
Sacramento County UC Master Gardeners will be holding training beginning Wednesday, March 7, 2007.
Deadline to submit an application is Thursday, January 18, 2007.
Application forms and training details are available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope (63ยข) to Master Gardener Training, Cooperative Extension, 4145 Branch Center Road, Sacramento, CA 95827-3898.
How long does the training last?
Four-hour classes will be conducted one afternoon each week from March 7, 2007 to June 27, 2007, plus one Saturday field trip. Attendance is mandatory at all classes and field trips. Classes are held in the UCCE Auditorium located at 4145 Branch Center Road, Sacramento, CA 95827. The day of the week that classes are conducted is the same through out the training and will be included in the application packet.
Who teaches the classes and what will I learn?
All classes are taught by University specialists, Horticulture Advisors, and community experts. Topics include: introduction to horticulture; soil; water and fertilizer management; ornamentals and drought tolerant plants; turf management; landscape trees: planting and maintenance; introduction to insects; integrated pest management; home vegetable gardening; plant disease diagnosis; weed identification and management; home orchards; fruit and nut trees; small fruits and grapevines; identification and control of household pests; understanding pesticides volunteerism; diagnosing garden and landscape problems.
How do I qualify to be a Sacramento County Master Gardener trainee?
Applicants must be residents of Sacramento County. This Master Gardener program is administered by the Sacramento County Cooperative Extension office. If you are not a Sacramento County resident, contact your local Cooperative Extension office for training information.
A past history of volunteering in the community is the main qualification we look for in applicants. The past volunteer activities do not need to be horticulture related. Prior horticulture training and/or experience is preferred but not required.
Is a fee charged for the training classes?
A fee to cover training and resource materials is charged for the training. The fee will be stated in the application packet.
What happens after I graduate and become a Master Gardener?
After attending all class sessions, and all the weekly quizzes and final exam are completed, trainees receive a graduation certificate. New Master Gardeners are required to contribute fifty hours of community volunteer work during the next twelve months. Every year thereafter, twenty-five hours of volunteer activity is required. UCCE approved volunteer opportunities are available for Master Gardeners to extend University research based information to the gardening community in Sacramento County. Each year twelve hours of continuing education is also required.
Where in the Sacramento area can I obtain horticulture education?
A variety of classes are offered at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Sierra College, Folsom Community College, UC Davis, numerous local garden and plant organizations such as Sacramento Tree Foundation, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, and garden clubs.
by angela@diggingbliss | Jan 1, 2007 | Uncategorized
In the garden…
— I vow to stop leaving clippings all over the damn place. For someone who owns every garden receptacle known to man, I sure have a nasty habit of dropping clippings wherever wind and gravity take them.
Maybe these new Garden Pop-Up Bags
from Gardener’s Supply will inspire me. God, they’re cute. Won’t they look purty surrounded by clippings?
— I vow to find a ‘Lime Rickey’ Heuchera and buy it. When I held a pricey 1-gallon specimen in my hot little hands several months ago but put it down hoping to find it cheaper elsewhere, I had no idea the plant would be so elusive. You’re worth it, Rickey… Rick… my darling.
(Photo from Terra Nova Nurseries website)
— I vow to visit at least two California nurseries and two California public gardens I’ve never seen in person. Maybe one of each in So Cal and Nor Cal. Suggestions?
— I vow to try growing one new squash variety.
— I vow to maybe not plant so many tomatoes. I mean really. C’mon, Angela.
— I vow to think about joining a 12-step program for garden tool abusers.
— I vow to cook from the garden more. Salsa was a snap. Pesto is from the gods. Yep, more culinary creations from the garden.
In general…
— I vow to eat right and exercise, of course.
— I vow to find beauty wherever I can.
— I vow to keep a much closer eye on my new camera equipment (ahem) and to take a gazillion pictures.
— I vow to pay it forward in little ways whenever I can.
— I vow to enjoy the journey, the moment, go for the gusto, and seize the day. Tick tock!
by angela@diggingbliss | Dec 26, 2006 | Uncategorized
If you don’t feel like crafting something out of your post-Christmas tree, there are plenty of organizations that will take and recycle… treecycle… your tree. This free service usually lasts through the first week of January.
by angela@diggingbliss | Dec 13, 2006 | Uncategorized
Here are a few things that caught this gardener’s eye…
Stocking Stuffers
Oooms Wooden Memory Stick
A memory stick that actually is… a stick.
In Vitro Orchid
Test tube baby orchids… awwwwwww.
Under the Tree
WMF Expandable Flower Trivet
Colorful Birdhouse
A birder friend tells me this birdhouse is probably bird-friendly (i.e. easily cleaned and predator-resistant). It’s very bad karma to buy a birdhouse that wasn’t designed with birds in mind and it’s sad to see so many out there. You can always call Gardener’s Supply to confirm that it’s safe for birds. It sure is inexpensive and cute!
Duck Bill Knife
This should be great for ripping open bags of soil, etc. Raise your hand if you stick your grubby fingers through those tiny bag holes and strain and stretch the thing until it gives.
(typing with one hand now)
Reform your gardener friend, S.O. or yourself with this tool.
Books
ohmmm…
Amy’s book is so new it’s not even out yet, but fear not because you can pre-order it, print the book cover from amazon, roll it into a scroll and tie a pretty ribboon around it. Show that special flower-lovin’ someone that only the freshest, most fabulous books will do.
First update in several years; Also on the verge of being published. Remember that gift scroll idea? You know the armchair gardener in your life won’t already have this one because no one does.
Give Your Gardener a Little TLC
After working in the garden, warm those cold tootsies with microwavable booties
This gardener’s hand soap with pumice is the best! Scrubs away the dirt, but leaves your hands feeling soft and hydrated, not greasy or dry. If I owned a nursery, I would sooooo carry this product.
Say It With Flowers
If you need to order holiday flowers, wreaths or gifts, consider ordering through Organic Bouquet.
A little Merry Christmas to farm workers, organic farmers, and that great big ball of dirt we all call home.
Also be sure to check out last year’s Practical Gifts for the Avid Gardener, as well as Impractical Gifts for Garden Goofballs
