Join Sacramento master gardeners Saturday for Open Garden

At the master gardeners’ Open Garden, of course!

On Saturday, Jan. 20, the UCCE Master Gardeners of Sacramento County kick off 2024 with their first Open Garden of the year at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center in Fair Oaks Park – rain or shine.

From 9 a.m. to noon, the public is invited to join dozens of masters gardeners as they work in the Hort Center’s various specialty areas. Admission and parking are free. (No pets, please.)

“Open gardens are informal free events where you roam the gardens, watch what we are doing, see what we are growing and ask questions,” explain the master gardeners. “Bring samples of your problem plants, mystery pests and questions to the ‘Ask the Master Gardeners’ information table. Get one-on-one advice based on the most recent research-based sustainable practices.”

In addition, catch up with what’s happening in our cool-season gardens.

“Winter’s delights originate outdoors with seeds, ornamental berries and citrus fruit,” say the master gardeners. “Listen to mini-talks and talk with master gardeners among the various demonstration garden areas.”

Current topics include:

Orchard: Learn about keeping pests away, why wait to prune, and information about planting new trees.

Berries: Ask about the tastiest varieties to plant.

Compost: Keep it out of your green waste can and learn how to make your own compost. 

Herbs: See how and why herbs need to be trimmed before spring growth.

WEL: Water-efficient landscape is a perfect choice to replace a lawn or add to your landscape.

Vegetables: Learn why to cover cool-weather crops with protective cloth. 

Vineyard: Look for signs of bud growth on grape stems. Ask about pruning methods.

It’s also not too late to pick up a copy of the master gardeners’ excellent 2024 Garden Guide and Calendar; it will be on sale during the event. The garden guide is only $12 including tax, cash or check.

“It is a wonderful reminder of tasks to keep your garden healthy and thriving all year,” say the master gardeners. “A how-to guide on creating a habitat garden is featured this year advising you on plants to attract pollinators, birds and beneficial insects. Proceeds from sales help support the Master Gardeners of Sacramento County community projects.”

Fair Oaks Horticulture Center is located at 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks.

More details and directions: https://sacmg.ucanr.edu/.