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.

Summer is Satisfying

submitted by Darlene Ward

After abundant winter and spring rain, the Demonstration Garden has been exuberant. Our Master Gardeners have been too, because the Hoop House was finished in time to use for the young plants grown for the Spring Plant Sale. Summer arrived with our usual grand display of California Poppies. Foothill Penstemon was covered with its beautiful blue/magenta flowers, and the young Spicebush and Carpenteria shrubs nearby surprised us by blooming. Our many mature shrubs, such as Snowdrop, Butterfly Bush and Carpenteria, provided a succession of blooms. The flowers in the raised bed suddenly took center stage with tall sunflowers, cosmos and unusual dahlias. Many insects drop by for a sip of nectar and a dusting of pollen. In the Cottage Garden, fast-growing Trumpet Vine with vivid red flowers enthusiastically covers the arbor. Hummingbirds are the pollinators.

Because the long days are hot, our Orchard Team starts its work early in the morning. The trees are laden with fruit, which means a lot of thinning is needed. Branches are bending low to the ground, and the team is looking forward to a big harvest.

Beautiful blooms, promising harvest and garden help from some of the newest Master Gardeners bring us contentment as the season rolls by.