Materials From Previous Events

Building Better Soil & Sending Less to the Landfill

Presented on: November 14, 2010
Presented by: Contra Costa Master Gardeners Program

Read the flyer

The habit of taking away oak leaves and grass clippings, and then purchasing fertilizers and other additives simply isn’t sustainable for the yard or the environment. Improve soil quality by using the best materials available — nature’s own. A few easy steps for what to do (and what NOT to do) will lead to lush, nutrient-rich compost and benefit the soil’s incredible ecosystem. You can also reduce harmful carbon emissions by eliminating the need to haul green bin waste. In this seminar, we demonstrated best practices for composting, how to build or protect good soil, and helped answer your questions. Presented by the UC Berkeley Extension Master Gardeners Program.

If you missed the seminar:

• SEMINAR SUMMARY: Healthy Soil – Summary (PDF)
• ONLINE RESOURCES: Healthy Soil – Resources (PDF)
• HANDOUT: Sustainable Landscaping (PDF)
• MASTER GARDENER HELP DESK: mgcontracosta@ucdavis.edu ; 925-646-6586

• Do It Yourself Home Energy Audit – Flex Your Power
• Home Energy Audits & Efficiency Upgrades – Sustainable Lafayette
• Professional Home Energy Audit – Advanced Home Energy (formerly Recurve)
• Save Money in Winter – Sustainable Lafayette
• Residential home energy rebates in Lafayette - Flex Your Power

Planting with Garden Natives in Lafayette

Presented on: August 8, 2010
Presented by: Troy McGregor, Garden Natives Nursery

It’s time to go native! California native plants are a smart and environmentally-friendly alternative to water hungry species. Native plant species are low maintenance and encourage bird and butterfly wildlife.

If you missed the seminar:

• Link to presentation (On GardenNatives.com site)

Local Food: Fall Vegetable Planting

Presented on: August 1, 2010
Presented by: Pilar Reber, Sunnyside Organics

Presented by Pilar Reber, founder of Sunnyside Organic Seedlings.  Move over tomatoes! August is the perfect time to start planning your sustainable fall garden, and Pilar will be your guide on what you should be planting now.

If you missed the seminar:

• Sunnyside Organics slides (PDF)