Monthly Demonstration Garden Talks on Gardening and Sustainability

03/11/24

Please join us at the County Operations Center to learn more about sustainable gardening and landscaping! Led by the Master Gardeners of San Diego, talks are held monthly at the garden on a variety of topics.

Upcoming Schedule

Events occur on the first Wednesday of every month at 12 - 12:30 PM. While you are there, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the seasonal harvest available. The Demonstration Garden is located adjacent to the courtyard outside 5520 Overland Ave., San Diego. Learn more about the garden and events.

  • April 3: DeLayne Harmon and Marsha Cook on Pollinators - Explore the vital role of pollinators in our ecosystem in our gardening class dedicated to these essential creatures. Discover how to attract and support a diverse array of pollinators, from bees to butterflies, and learn practical techniques to create a pollinator-friendly haven in your garden.
  • May 1: Mary Friestadt on Herbs - Discover the secrets of cultivating an aromatic oasis in our herb gardening class. From basil to thyme, unearth the tips and tricks to nurture a thriving herb garden that delights the senses and elevates your culinary adventures.
  • June 5: DeLayne Harmon on Tool Care - Clean, Sanitize, Sharpen, and Oil.  Learn the art of tool TLC in our gardening class dedicated to caring for your garden tools. From sharpening shears to preserving wooden handles, unlock the essential techniques to keep your gardening arsenal in top-notch condition for seasons to come.
  • July 3: Kim Schultz on Plumerias - Delve into the enchanting world of plumeria cultivation at this lunch and learn. Discover the secrets to nurturing these vibrant blooms, from optimal planting conditions to expert pruning techniques, and transform your garden into a tropical paradise.
  • August 7: Leah Taylor on Bees - Embark on a fascinating journey into the realm of native bees. Learn how to attract, support, and conserve these vital pollinators, enriching your garden ecosystem while contributing to the preservation of biodiversity.
  • September 4: Carol Graham on Exotic Fruits - From cultivating dragon fruit to nurturing passion vines, unlock the secrets to growing and enjoying a diverse array of delicious and uncommon fruits, adding a tropical twist to your garden space.
  • October 2: Cindy Bruecks on Citrus - Dive into the citrus-scented realm of our garden, where you'll master the art of cultivating vibrant citrus trees. From selecting the perfect varieties for your region to mastering citrus tree care techniques, discover how to cultivate bountiful harvests of juicy fruits that brighten both your garden and your palate.
  • November 6: Jim Huizenga on Worm Composting - Join our lunch and learn and unearth the transformative power of worm composting. Learn the ins and outs of vermicomposting, from setting up your worm bin to harnessing nature's recyclers to create nutrient-rich compost for your garden, fostering sustainability one wriggle at a time.

Sustainable Gardening

The Demonstration Garden at the County Operations Center (COC) displays examples of sustainable gardening and landscaping techniques to show individuals the diverse possibilities for a small garden. Sustainable gardening and landscaping include using practices that benefit water conservation, soil health, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. The benefits of sustainable landscaping can be observed locally and regionally with the wide array of techniques. Examples of sustainable landscaping include using native plants on your property, planting trees that act as a shade for homes, and applying compost and mulch which helps conserve water, prevent erosion, and add organic matter to soil. These practices help the natural environment be more resilient to climate change by creating habitat for native species and reducing the use of water. If you are interested in learning more about native plants or using them on your property, please visit San Diego County Native Landscape Program website. The Native Landscape Program aims to increase the use of native plants in landscapes across the region and will provide education and incentivizes for the use of native plants on private lands across the county.

The County's Demonstration Garden

Operated and maintained by the Master Gardeners of San Diego, the Demonstration Garden has four raised beds, one accessible raised bed for individuals in wheelchairs, a rain barrel, a worm bin for compost, and a container to grow citrus and other plants. Year around, the garden contains seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbs, citrus and native California plants. The garden was made possible through the  Live Well San Diego Food System Initiative, which works to make a robust and resilient local food system that builds healthy communities, supports the economy, and enhances the environment.

The space provides a great location for informing individuals on the benefits a garden and sustainable landscaping. The Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who offer assistance and information to the county for home gardening and pest control. The Master Gardeners, overseen by the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of California Cooperative Extension, offer the community of San Diego many resources, so come by the garden talks to hear more from the experts!