Welcome to UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County

Nevada County gardens vary widely. Elevations range from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. Soil types are red clay, serpentine, sandy loam, forest loam or something in-between. Generally acidic, soils may lack necessary nutrients and organic matter. Some gardens are below the snowline, while others are often covered with snow and may have frozen soil for an extended time. We know that “One size does not fit all.” Gardening in Nevada County is unlike gardening elsewhere and it is not the same throughout the county. Master Gardeners are here to provide home gardeners in Nevada County with science-based information, whatever their gardening conditions. And, Master Gardeners offer a number of workshops and events to achieve this goal.   

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News from the Demonstration Garden

 The Demonstration Garden at 1036 W. Main Street, Grass Valley, (on the NID grounds) offers a wonderful variety of plant venues. Including an orchard and oak habitat, the Master Gardener's Demonstration Garden offers visible learning opportunities for the public. Check out the map of the garden: Demonstration Garden Map.

If you would like to schedule a group tour led by a Master Gardener, please call our Hotline office (530) 273-0919.

FALL—A SENSE OF COMPLETION

The end of summer and the start of fall is an interesting time in the garden. Some plants look spent, ready for their winter rest, while others burst into bloom, drawing our admiring glances. Autumn Clematis, covered with white blossoms, adorned the arbor in the Foothill Mediterranean Garden, and California Fuchsia highlighted a mound in the Oak Habitat. Both are old friends that we welcome in late August every year as the growing season nears completion. In October, the tall Silvergrass took center stage with its feathery blossoms.

California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)

Each year the Orchard Team looks forward to the progression of ripening fruit. Heavy and prolonged rain during blossom time last spring meant no Santa Rosa plums and a reduced Red Haven peach harvest this year. The Silver Logan peach successfully set a good crop, and the Bartlett pears, Asian pears, Braeburn apple and Empire apple were all heavily laden.

Braeburn Apple

Demo Garden clean-up days resulted in a garden that we could be proud of during the Tomato Tasting and the Fall Plant Sale. Every area showed the dedication of hard-working Master Gardeners who want to present ideas and inspiration to home gardeners. Since the garden is open to the public all week, visitors can stop by any time to look around. If Master Gardeners are working in the garden, they are always willing to chat and share their experience.