Jose Lopez-Gallego shared his fascinating history as a young man growing up in a self-reliant farming family in Spain. After suggesting his family grow citrus trees instead of olive trees, his father said - "ok" you go work for a citrus grower, learn everything and we will talk about it." He did just that and he and his father ended up planting, thousands of orange trees. For many years, Jose and his father worked together growing in experience with citrus trees; planting, grafting techniques, pruning, harvesting and selling their crops. Even after leaving Spain, his love for farming has never died and his passion for trees, in particular citrus trees, has grown deeper over the years. He said "Orange trees require less care than many other fruits and are "very thankful" to the farmer - producing hundred of fruit and living many long years."

We were so fortunate to have had Greg Gayton as our speaker at our October meeting about "Fall is for Planting". He has over 46 years experience in the nursery / gardening industry as a Horticulturalist, California Certified Nursery Professional and certified in Pest Control, currently with family owned Green Acres Nursery & Supply in the Sacramento/Elk Grove area. Greg is the producer of Green Acres Podcast; take a listen and also follow their Instagram[I Dig Green Acres], and Facebook accounts.

Julie Barbour from "Our Water Our World" was a fun and informative speaker who shared so much information we may consider having her return for a following session! Topics covered pesticides, fertilizers, and proper watering techniques.

Sources for more information:
www.edu.uc.gov.ca
www.OurWaterOurWorld.org
www.earth911.com
University of California Integrated Pest Management Site www.ipm.ucanr.edu

Our Panel of New and Long Time Master Gardener Club Members gave a wonderful and interesting presentation this month! Well done, ladies!!
In a very organized, methodical presentation each 2024 Master Gardener Program Graduate from from the University of California Cooperative Extension covered a different aspect of the MG training, responsibilities for continuing as a MG and programs they have opportunities to participate in. Their mentor, Mary Fry, was a key teacher in their success. We learned so much! Thank you!
Master Gardener Program's Mission:
“To extend research-based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents of California."
The program is open to gardeners of all levels of experience. Our panel stressed that they don't always have the answers to every question poised, but they now know the resources to find the answers. Questions to gardening dilemmas can be addressed to volunteers at the Ag Center: (209)-953-6112 . Also, check out the master gardener's blog for interesting information. Classes were taught by specialists with years of experience in various fields, including soil, sustainable landscaping, plant identification, and tree care - to name just a few. Master Gardeners can assist with research projects, participate in "Ag Venture" at the fair grounds, Farmer's Markets, Fairs, Festivals and Community Projects, host hands-on educational workshops, teach horticulture skills to youth and adults, attend monthly meetings where more information is disseminated, and belong to a MG book club or even an herb group! Last year they volunteered 446,237 hours!

Carol Bone' gave an informative presentation on Feng Shui as relates to position of your home and your garden. We were first assigned mapping our home's front door on a sketch of East, West, North and South. A variety of plant colors were recommended in each quadrant, as well as placing a "mountain" feature at the back of the house, which "protects" our home - examples could be a tall hedge or tree or mounding your garden in the back. Remove clutter and open the area leading to your front door with a meandering path, incorporate water features and balance the plantings to the right of the front door.

Julie Morehouse, the owner of In Season Garden and Nursery in Stockton, was our excellent speaker this month. She taught us all about coleus and different irises, including Dutch iris, Japanese iris, Bearded iris, and the unusual walking iris.

From the Miwok and Yokuts Indians to the development of modern agriculture to Charles Weber, founder of Stockton and first farmer in the area, history abounds in this jewel of a museum. As we listened to Director and historian, Phillip Merlo, we enjoyed the outdoor surroundings of the walled garden. Phillip expanded on the history of the museum nestled on 18 acres with multiple exhibits and buildings displaying the rich history of San Joaquin County and the many educational experiences offered. Their emphasis is on the county's important contributions to agriculture and promoting community pride, continued learning and an appreciation of our regional history.

Camellia Society President, Julie Vierra, and Vice President, LuAnn Lantsberger, were amazing speakers. They brought two 1-gallon camellias for members; had a beautiful PowerPoint presentation of Camellias in the Sacramento and San Joaquin region; labeled members' camellias with metal tags with their varietal name so they could label their shrubs at home; and Julie demonstrated pruning techniques. Camellias should be pruned after blooming and can take substantial pruning. Handouts covered all areas of care; "12 Months of Care"; caring for your new camellia; and copies of February and March's Camellia Times newsletter, full of information and local happenings.