Learn about Sierra foothill gardening at Open Garden Days

Garden in the Sierra foothills can be challenging; just ask anyone who has deer for neighbors.

Higher elevations can go from too cold to plant to too hot to grow in only a few weeks. (Sometimes, it feels overnight.)

What’s a foothill gardener to do?

Ask the UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County. Every Friday and Saturday (weather permitting), the foothill gardening experts host Open Garden Days at Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville. That includes Friday and Saturday, May 24 and 25. Admission is free.

From 9 a.m. to noon, master gardeners will be stationed in Sherwood’s demonstration stations to answer questions and tackle garden tasks. These experts teach by doing and the public is invited to watch.

“As Master Gardeners, we are committed to educating the general public on sustainable horticulture and pest management practices based on traditional, current, and evolving research,” say the hosts. “It is our goal that the Sherwood Demonstration Garden will provide the public with a hands-on, interactive experience about research-based, sustainable gardening practices specific to the west slope of El Dorado County, appropriate for all ages and cultures, and reflective of a variety of environments and gardening experiences.”
Of course, a lot of the information and experience applies to gardening throughout the foothills and greater Sacramento area. It’s also a lovely place to visit and gain inspiration.

“There are 16 individual demonstrations gardens ranging from the Shade Garden to the Rock Garden and everything in between!” say the master gardeners.

At 9 a.m. June 1, the master gardeners will host a “First Saturday Garden Tour,” with a guided walk through all 16 gardens.

Sherwood is located at 6699 Campus Dr, Placerville.

Details and directions: https://mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/.