MG Class of 2016
Session 3 Wrap Up Newsletter 
In This Issue
Intro to Hort...Notes
From the Lab Master
PowerPoint Presentation (PPP) Note
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
What's That Bloomin' Thing? (WTBT)
Wonderings
HEADS UP
Quick Links
January 21, 2016


Our first "real" class!  Liz and Mo did a wonderful job with their presentations and Ray designed a lab that had us all looking at plants in an entirely different way. Thanks to all who made it a great class.

Thanks also to Support Group 1 for the delicious snacks.  There was something for everyone's taste and it looked beautiful too. 
Intro to Hort Notes
Liz and Mo gave us all some great information with an informative PowerPoint Presentation.  Just a reminder that the PowerPoint notes are on the SDMG 2016 Training Web site, Resources tab,  PowerPoint Notes, or click here  

There were several web sites mentioned in the presentation, which you can also find on the SDMG 2016 Training web site, Resources tab, Web Sources or click here


Mo recommends Latin for Gardeners by Lorraine Harrison for those interested in learning more about botanic nomenclature. It is available in San Diego Public libraries if you want to take a look at it.  

Don't forget to do your quiz!
From the Lab Masters
This from Ray:
Plant ID Lab follow-up
 
In the lab on Tuesday I stated that bananas have seeds.  I would like to clarify that statement.
 
Normally, the primary reason for a plant to bear any sort of fruit in the first place is to propagate itself, since the fruit contains the seed. Modern, commercial strains of banana don't have seeds. Well, they do, but they're tiny and sterile, unlike wild and often inedible varieties of bananas, which have large and viable seeds. 

From Kate:
Thanks for all the Questions/Wonderings about the plant parts and monocot vs. dicot identification.  Keep practicing with the identification tools you have and you'll hone your skills.  We'll be repeating these concepts throughout the training so relax and enjoy yourselves.
PowerPoint Presentation (PPP) Notes
We have plans to post the PPP as a pdf.  That way you will be able to print it as you wish.  That's not ready yet, but will be soon.
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Jen posed the question:
  • I want a nice landscape for our home in Vista, but I don't want it to require too much water.  Can you recommend a good landscape designer and contractor?
A lively discussion ensued (thank you all for doing your research).  Here is a recap:
  • The Master Gardener Program does not recommend individuals or businesses that perform commercial work.
  • You can find the names of some local landscape designers and contractors from professional organizations (Association of Professional Landscape Designers www.apldca.org and California Landscape Contractors Association www.clca.org )and by checking online and in the telephone yellow pages.  Referrals may be obtained from some nurseries and landscape supply companies.
  • Our office has free pamphlets in English and Spanish on "How to hire a landscape contractor" (Obtain hard copy via UCCE San Diego County Office or electronic file via UCCE San Diego County web site http://ucanr.edu/sites/socalIPM/Healthy_Garden-Healthy_Home/.
  • MG Earth Friendly Gardens Committee (speaker and earth friendly garden certification) http://www.mastergardenerssandiego.org/sustain/index.php
What's That Bloomin' Thing? (WTBT)
What's that tree that I saw on the street that has purple flowers all over and under it?
 
If there is a tree or shrub that is in bloom, be prepared for questions!  This activity should get us ready for answering "our client's" questions.  I'm so excited to see what you all present.

Let's clarify a couple of things:
  1. We've re-thought the PREPARE UP TO 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR ASSIGNED DATE instructions.  New instruction:  Be prepared on your assigned date.
  2. We are shaking up the daily schedule a tad bit.  The WTBT presentations will be right after a few brief welcoming remarks.  It's our opinion that the presenters for that day will benefit from getting this done at the beginning of the day, leaving their minds free to accept all the new information presented the rest of the day.
  3. The Plant List, including the names of presenters, is posted on the SDMG Class of 2016 web site or click here  There are new instructions in the header of this list.  Please be sure to take a look.
  4. Please direct your questions to Mo Price:  [email protected]
Wonderings
Most of the wonderings
have been addressed in the above articles.  If we missed something and you are still wondering... 
please let me know.

I've been wondering how you are doing with all the acronyms that have come across you plate thus far.  ANR, UCCE, IPM, VMS, MGASDC  It's enough to make your head spin.  I'm compiling a list of some, all spelled out.  Please stay tuned.
HEADS UP
There is no class next week.  See you at the General Meeting in Balboa Park.  Casa del Prado, Room 101.  Watch for a stream of gardeners ...

For Session 4, February 2, 2016

Support Group 2 are on for snacks and end of day cleanup (a duty that I have forgotten to mention!).  Looking forward to treats from April McBride, Christina Callahan, Diana Drummey, Ellie Aitken, Heidi Bentz and Jeanina Manley.  

Lab Group 2 you are on for Lab Rats.  See Ray to get your instructions and be prepared to work through lunch.  You are JuliAnna Arnett, David Boucher, Val Fujihara, Sohleong Lim, Liz Schmitt and Susan Starr.

Assignments:  Go to the Training Web site, Syllabus, Session 4 Soil and scroll down to the Advance Preparation paragraph to see how you can get a head start on the work to be done or click here
 
If you have any questions regarding this newsletter, just hit REPLY and type your comments.  Your Class Operations team will follow-up. 
 
Sincerely,
Your Class Operations Team:  Byron Asakawa, Ray Conser, Bob Frey, Judy MacKenzie, Mary Manaster, Scott Parker and Dawn Standke

UCCE Master Gardener Program of San Diego County
Master Gardener Association of San Diego County
 
Copy to:  Scott Parker, Curriculum Committee, Mentors, MG Leadership Team, Jennifer Pelham