While most Central Valley residents are cognizant of the drought and doing their best to conserve water, many people are uneducated on how to maintain a beautiful yard while doing so. The Greenery Nursery and Garden Shop will present a drought fighting tools seminar Saturday, in recognition of the historic drought leaving many yards bare and lawns dry.
Kellogg’s Garden Products is sponsoring the event and together with The Greenery has arranged for author, blogger, radio personality and lifetime Master Gardener Fred Hoffman, (also known as Farmer Fred) to host the informational seminar.
“I have been gardening over half my life and I always learn from new people,” said Adria Afferino, The Greenery marketing and events manager. “Our drought is serious and we need to learn and adapt to deal with dry conditions and water restrictions. I’m really looking forward to hearing what [Farmer Fred] has to say.”
The seminar will include tools that help you keep your plants alive and healthy during the drought, i.e. when to water, how to water, how much (or little) to water…which is all critical for managing your plants, as well as your water bill.
“Many people think that because less water is available in California that a garden may be a hobby of the past, or— at best— a yard full of cactus and nothing could be further from the truth,” said Hoffman. “Even with watering only once or twice a week, the California gardener can have a yard full of thriving plants.”
Farmer Fred’s seminar will teach you how to use soil moisture meters, measuring devices, drip irrigation systems, soaker hoses and intelligent sprinkler control systems.
“Having lived and gardened in Modesto for several years… I am very familiar with the wonderful soil in Stanislaus County, as well as some of the challenges,” said Hoffman. “I look forward to sticking a shovel into some bare ground there and relishing the sandy, loamy soil.”
The event is free and begins at 10 a.m. at The Greenery Nursery and Garden Shop at 742 E. Olive Ave., Turlock. Seats are limited and prior registration is requested on The Greenery’s website at greenerynsy.com/events.
