Open Garden Days designed for foothill gardeners

 

Sherwood Demonstration Garden welcomes visitors this week. (Photo courtesy UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County)

El Dorado County master gardeners invite public to Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville

When it comes to gardening, the foothills are different.

Compared to Sacramento, it’s often colder in the Sierra foothills. Tomato season starts later; for some crops, the growing season is shorter. And some plants actually appreciate the difference. (And don’t forget about deer!)

Find out how to make the most of your foothill garden at Open Garden Days at Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville.

From 9 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9, the UC Cooperative Master Gardeners in El Dorado County will open their demonstration garden to the public.

“As Master Gardeners, we are committed to educating the general public on sustainable horticulture and pest management practices based on traditional, current, and evolving research,” say the master gardeners. “It is our goal that the Sherwood Demonstration Garden will provide the public with a hands-on, interactive experience about research-based, sustainable gardening practices specific to the west slope of El Dorado County, appropriate for all ages and cultures, and reflective of a variety of environments and gardening experiences.”

Sherwood includes 16 individual demonstrations gardens, ranging from water-wise All-Stars and butterfly habitat to shade lovers and vegetables. Even if you garden elsewhere, it’s a wonderful and inspirational place to visit.

During Open Garden Days, master gardeners are out in force to demonstrate their techniques and offer advice. Got garden questions? These folks have answers (or know where to look).

Admission is free. Parking is $2. No dogs please.

Sherwood Demonstration Garden is located at 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville, on the El Dorado Center campus of Folsom Lake College.

For more information and directions: https://mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/Demonstration_Garden/.

— Debbie Arrington