Master Gardeners

Monthly Meeting

NEXT GENERAL MEETING: Growing Plant People - Horticulture Programs and Facilities at Southwestern College, With Holly McMullen, August 15, In-Person, Oasis, Rancho Bernardo, 1:30p -3:30p

Holly McMullen Holly McMullen is a tenured professor of plant science at Southwestern College and a field biologist with nearly a decade of experience working at the intersection of ecological research, habitat restoration, and higher education. Her expertise centers on the interactions between plants and animals, particularly within Southern California's diverse ecosystems, and she has conducted botanical and wildlife field surveys, managed large-scale restoration projects,

Jul 23

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Articles

FROM THE MASTER GARDENERS: Low Water Turf Alternatives for Our Climate

By Vince McGrath, UCCE Master Gardener of San Diego County, for Let’s Talk Plants! August 2026. “Kurapia ground cover makes an excellent low-water turf.” – Photo Credit – Susan Nichols. Low Water Turf Alternatives for Our Climate Several years ago, the mantra for San Diego homeowners was “Toss the Turf!” The reason was to stop wasting water that we did not have on water-guzzling lawns. Water agencies were asking their customers to restrict water usage. The newer catch phrase

Aug 1

FROM THE MASTER GARDENERS: Cunning Plants Use Tricks to Lure Pollinators

By Sharon Reeves, UCCE Master Gardener of San Diego County, for Let’s Talk Plants! June 2026. Photo by William Warby Cunning Plants Use Tricks to Lure Pollinators Plants are anchored in one spot, but they are cunning. They have mastered the art of enticing more mobile organisms to do their bidding. It is the goal of every living thing to procreate and to live on through their offspring. Plants are no exception. There are many pollination strategies employed by plants. Wind po

Jun 1

FROM THE MASTER GARDENERS: Staghorn Ferns

By Mike Harrelson, UCCE Master Gardener of San Diego County. First published in the San Diego Union Tribune March 2023. Republished with permission in Let’s Talk Plants! February 2026. Photo source: Staghorn Fern Background Images, HD Pictures and Wallpaper For Free Download | Pngtree . Staghorn Ferns For sheer pop, indoors or out, staghorn ferns ( Platycerium spp.) can’t be beat. Once considered difficult to grow in San Diego County, staghorn ferns are now commonly found in

Feb 1

FROM THE MASTER GARDENERS: Evergreens Can Be Part Of A Sustainable Holiday Celebration

By Skye Resendes, UC Master Gardener of San Diego County. First published by the Union Tribune on December 10, 2022. Reprinted with permission, in Let’s Talk Plants! December 2025. Wix stock photo. Evergreens Can Be Part of a Sustainable Holiday Celebration Here’s how to incorporate fragrant trees and boughs, long a symbol of life and hope, and still be a green consumer. Traditionally decorated Christmas Nobel fir Christmas tree. Photo Credit: larsmarkusson. The history of de

Dec 1, 2025