El Dorado County master gardeners host July Open Gardens

Tomatoes are ripening, roses are blooming, fruit is hanging heavy on the trees. There’s plenty to see – and learn – at Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville, and you’re invited to take a look.

The Master Gardeners of El Dorado County have weekly Open Gardens planned during July, starting Saturday, July 5. Additional Open Gardens are set for every Friday and Saturday in July. (Closed July 4.)

“Come and take a leisurely stroll through all 16 themed gardens,” say the master gardeners. “Docents are on-site to assist you with any questions regarding Sherwood Demonstration Garden or your personal garden.”

As the name implies, Open Gardens are open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon. No advance reservations necessary.

“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.”

Tailored to the needs of foothill gardeners, Sherwood’s demonstration gardens range from the Shade Garden to the Rock Garden and everything in between. In summer, the bountiful vegetable garden is particularly popular.

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is located on the campus of the El Dorado Center of Folsom Lake College, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville. Admission is free, but parking is $2.

Since this is a morning event Saturday, comfortable temperatures are expected. Open Gardens at Sherwood may be canceled due to inclement weather (such as triple-digit temperatures) or poor air quality (due to wildfire smoke).

Check the website for latest updates: https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-el-dorado-county