GARDENING SEMINARS

 We are very proud to welcome back The Master Gardeners and their popular Gardening Seminar series (located in the  - south end of the fairgrounds, near the Butler Entrance). Attend one of their seminars and see if they can help you with any plant problems or questions. They specialize in those issues that most concern Valley gardeners, i.e., water conservation, sun-loving plants, etc.

2013 Master Gardener Seminar Schedule 

Friday, March 1

12:00pm    "The Beauty of Roses" by Master Gardener Sue Kendall

                  The rose is our National Flower so come and learn all about this beautiful flower.  General rose care will be discussed ending with a "hands-on" pruning session.  Sue is past president of the San Joaquin Valley Rose Society.                 

 1:00pm      "The Basics of Espalier" by Master Gardener Linda Hewett

                  Espalier refers to the training of a plant to grow flat against a wall or trellis, to create a focal point or a form of art.  Learn this ancient technique for growing a fruit tree or ornamental shrub. 

2:00pm      "Backyard to Belly" by Pam Geisel – Keynote Speaker

Pam talks about growing food in your garden so that when you harvest it, it is so fresh you can still hear it growing…Pam shares the concepts of backyard to belly, including issues like producing food that is part of the landscape - fresh, wholesome, safe and with an eye to beauty and productivity.  Backyard to belly helps people provide food for their neighborhoods, increasing local food security.                 

3:30pm      "Square Foot Gardening" by Master Gardeners Charlene Novack & Melanie Sarkisian

                  This simple system adapts to all levels of experience, abilities, and locations.  Use only 20% of the space of a conventional row garden.  Save time, water and money! 

4:30pm      "Perennials with Pizzazz" by Master Gardener Marcia Rosenberg

                  Perennials are non-woody plants that return year after year and provide dependable color during the spring, summer and fall seasons.  Most are low water users and are resistant to pests. Learn how to choose, deadhead, thin, prune, divide and propagate them.

Saturday, March 2

11:00am    "Backyard to Belly, Part 1” by Pam Geisel – Keynote Speaker

   Pam talks about growing food in your garden so that when you harvest it, it is so fresh you can still hear it growing…Pam shares the concepts of backyard to belly, including issues like producing food that is part of the landscape - fresh, wholesome, safe and with an eye to beauty and productivity.  Backyard to belly helps people provide food for their neighborhoods, increasing local food security.

12:15pm    "The Drunken Botanist" by Amy Stewart – Keynote Speaker

New York Times bestselling Author Amy Stewart is back with a new book, The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World’s Great Drinks. Join her for an exploration of the dizzying array of plants that humans have, through ingenuity, inspiration and sheer desperation, contrived to transform into alcohol. From the sugar cane that gives us Caribbean rum, to the juniper berries that flavor gin, to the odd and obscure fruits that flavor Italian liqueurs, Amy takes a most intoxicating perspective on the leaves, bark, seeds, roots, flowers and fruit imbibed around the world – and gives tips on creating your own cocktail-themed garden!

1:30pm    "Edible Landscaping, Part 2" by Pam Geisel – Keynote Speaker

       Edible landscape covers the concepts for incorporating edibles into your ornamental landscapes and combining function with aesthetics.  I will cover dealing with some of the difficult issues such as matching irrigation and other cultural requirements with your ornamentals, and designing edibles into your landscape, while dealing with pest, disease and some of the mess problems associated with edibles.  

  2:45pm    "Cactus & Succulents" by Master Gardeners Madeleine Mitchell and Ruth Saludes

                  Participants will learn about planting, potting and caring for cactus and succulents.  Topics include soil needs, transplanting and general care.  Design ideas will also be discussed.

 3:45pm     "Wicked Bugs" by Amy Stewart – Keynote Speaker

From the world’s most painful hornet, to the flies that transmit deadly diseases, to millipedes that stop traffic, to the “bookworms” that devour libraries, to the Japanese beetles munching on your roses, bestselling author Amy Stewart delves into the extraordinary powers of six and eight-legged creatures.                  

5:00pm     "Composting" by Master Gardeners Brad Barker and Tom Matott

                 Compost is the garden's best friend.  Learn the "Let it be" casual method or the "I want it now!" rapid approach.  Both methods work and you'll make your plants happy, spend less money on fertilizers and spare the landfill.

Sunday, March 3

11:00am    "Iris Confidential" by Master Gardener Carolyn Unruh

                  Iris plants are an easy garden addition, providing spectacular blooms in a wide range of colors.  Learn about the selection, cultural needs, and care of this diverse species.  Be sure to visit the Fresno Iris Society booth for even more information.

12:30pm   "The Backyard Bartender" by Amy Stewart – Keynote Speaker

Edible gardening doesn’t just put food on the table – it puts a drink in your hand too. Learn which variety of mint flavors authentic Cuban mojitos, discover the patio-sized fruits for punches and smashes, and find out why growing your own celery for a Bloody Mary brunch is totally worthwhile. You’ll also learn secrets to making the perfect garnish and creating your own botanical infusions, all based on New York Times bestselling author Amy Stewart’s new book, The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World’s Great Drinks.       

2:00pm      "Tomatoes, Tomatoes, Tomatoes" by Master Gardener Becky Thompson

                        What could be better than homegrown tomatoes fresh from the vine? Learn techniques and tips on growing tomatoes in the Central Valley.

 3:00pm         "Wicked Plants" by Amy Steward – Keynote Speaker

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the garden! An A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend. New York Times bestselling author Amy Stewart offers another fascinating presentation about the secret world of plants.

 4:30pm         "All About Citrus" by Master Gardener Maggie Courtis

                        Learn how to keep your citrus trees in top shape, as well as producing abundant fruit.  Learn how to prepare the soil, plant and care for your trees.  Find out how to participate in Plant a Row for the Hungry Program (P.A.R.).