On Saturdays and Sundays in April, May, and June, at 25 locations around Los Angeles County, University of California Master Gardeners will teach low-cost, four-weekend workshops with lots of hands-on, get-your-fingernails-dirty activities through The Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative (GLAVG). These low-cost classes are open to everyone who wants to learn the basics of gardening. Some 2000 gardeners at all stages of gardening experience have come through these training programs and are now qualified to “grow their own†and share their knowledge with neighbors and friends.
http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/Grow_LA_Victory_Garden_Initiative_Classes/.
The GLAVG series at Grow Native Nursery, located at the Veterans Garden in Westwood, will be helmed by LA County Master Gardener Don Smith.
Smith’s class series dates are April 14, April 28, May 12 and May 26 from 1 to 4 pm. Space is limited; early registration is strongly recommended. The cost is $75 for the series or $20 per class. Contact smithdon@mac.com for details on registration and location.
Yvonne Savio, director of the LA County Master Gardener program, says that the GLAVG initiative, now 3-1/2 years old, was propelled by the public. “The bad news about the economy, publicity on diabetes and obesity all resulted in many more requests for our help on how to start a garden. We were determined to offer public basic gardening classes throughout LA County, and Dr. Rachel Surls (former UCCE LA County director, now Sustainable Food Systems Advisor) found the funding.â€
Classes cover the basics in seed starting, transplanting, healthy soil, backyard and worm composting, weed and pest management, container gardens, beneficial insects, propagation, harvesting and more. Prior attendees called the workshops “life changing†and said they “loved interacting and meeting with people who are just as passionate about social change and food security as myself.â€
Yvonne Savio maintains an active email list that the general public can join. She says, “Anyone who’s interested in gardening is invited to join either or both of my resource e-lists. Send me an email at: ydsavio@ucanr.edu.â€
For Grow LA Victory Gardens class locations and registration information visit http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/Grow_LA_Victory_Garden_Initiative_Classes/.
