HELPING GROW YOUR GARDEN

By MARG JACKSON

Part of the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, there are Master Gardeners and UCCE (University of California Cooperative Extension) Coordinators throughout the 209 area.

Among them is Anne Schellman, who serves as the UCCE Master Gardener Coordinator for Stanislaus County.

“The Master Gardeners we have number about 52, from all around the Stanislaus County area,” Schellman explained. “Other neighboring counties have their own programs and a coordinator like myself.”

She is a staff of one, but with the support of the Master Gardeners who are available on a regular basis to help people with all types of gardening questions and concerns.

With the arrival of spring just around the corner on March 20, this is the perfect opportunity to review getting ready for spring planting, as well as learning some tips and tricks about how to make your garden – vegetables or flowers – grow.

The 209 Magazine put together a “Q &A” format with Anne Schellman to cover some of the basics.

WHAT IS A GOOD TIMELINE FOR PEOPLE IN OUR REGION TO FOLLOW TO GET READY FOR SPRING PLANTING?

Stanislaus County is a great place to grow food almost year-round. This year, soils are very wet, so wait until they dry out before working the soil. Working wet soil causes compaction and creates dirt clods that are difficult to break up later.

To prepare the garden for vegetables, add 3-5” of compost and work it into the soil before planting. If adding manure, choose composted manure and work it in a few weeks before planting.

In February, plant beets, carrots, peas, leafy greens like lettuce, collards, and Swiss chard to harvest in spring. In late winter, start seeds indoors for crops like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and cucumber so they are ready to plant in the garden in early April when soil is warm.

To know when to start the seeds, read the back of the seed packet.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TIME FRAMES FOR PLANTING LANDSCAPES, PRIMARILY FLOWERS, AS OPPOSED TO GETTING READY FOR A VEGETABLE GARDEN?

There are two seasons from annual plants and flowers. For example, if you want to grow zinnias, plant them in spring. For pansies, you would plant them in fall. In terms of vegetables, it can be a bit more flexible. Perennial flowers can be planted anytime.

WHAT IS THE SPECIFIC PREP NEEDED FOR EACH TYPE OF PROJECT, DECORATIVE VS. PRODUCTIVE?

Fruit trees and vegetables produce food, which is why soil preparation and fertilization are important. Trees, shrubs, and flowers benefit from well-prepared soil, but it’s not necessary to add fertilizer, unless they are grown in a pot.

DO YOU SEE MORE PEOPLE COMING TO UCCE FOR ASSISTANCE NOW, AS PEOPLE LOOK AT FRUITS AND/OR VEGETABLES AS A WAY TO HELP THE FAMILY’S BOTTOM LINE BY GROWING SOME FOOD FOR THEIR OWN USE?

Yes! We’ve had calls from gardeners who specifically mention they want to grow their own food because of rising prices.

WHAT ASSISTANCE ARE YOUR MASTER GARDENERS ABLE TO PROVIDE, WHETHER THAT IS HANDS ON OR ADVICE GIVING?

Our volunteers are available on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in person or on the phone to answer questions. We are located at the Ag Center in Modesto on the corner of Crows Landing and Service Roads in the Stanislaus Building. Samples of plants or pests can be dropped off during office hours Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We can also be contacted online, using our “Ask a Master Gardener” form: http://ucanr. edu/ask/ucmgstanislaus

We are also giving monthly classes on various topics at local libraries. (Native plants will be featured in March classes, Citrus in April.)

In addition to our in-person classes, we have a YouTube Channel with videos on how to compost, grow fruit trees, vegetables, or herbs, information about native plants, pollinator plants, water-wise plants, and more at http://ucanr.edu/youtube/ ucmgstanislaus

ARE THERE SPECIFIC VEGETABLES/ FRUITS THAT ARE RECOMMENDED FOR NOVICE GARDENERS, THOSE THAT WANT TO TRY IT FOR THE FIRST TIME, THAT WOULD BE EASY TO GROW AND TEND?

Yes! The easiest fruit trees to grow are citrus, as they need the least amount of care. For gardeners new to growing vegetables, use mainly transplants from local nurseries or garden centers instead of seeds to get started. If you decide to grow something from seed, pay close attention to the requirement planting depth, and keep the soil moist.

WHAT FLOWERS OR PLANTS ARE BEST SUITED FOR THOSE WISHING TO CREATE A PLEASING ORNAMENTAL AESTHETIC AT THEIR HOME OR BUSINESS?

Instead of specific plants, first decide on the “bones” of the landscape. Sometimes we get excited while shopping for plants and choose one of everything (I’m speaking from experience!) which leads to a chaotic looking landscape.

Once you have a design in mind, pick out a large accent plant for a specific location, and evergreen perennial shrubs to create the main structure. Then, choose perennials that lose their leaves. Plant most of these plants in groups of odd numbers like 3 or 5. If you have time to maintain it, create a bed of annuals you change out every year.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM?

My grandfather inspired my love of gardening, and in high school I worked at Scenic Nursery. I attended Modesto Junior College and discovered horticulture could be a possible career, so I went on to Cal Poly State University to earn a bachelor’s degree. In 2007, I was hired with UC Cooperative Extension to work for Ed Perry, the Environmental Horticulture advisor. That was the first time I heard about the Master Gardener Program, but it would not be until 2018 that I was hired for what has become my dream job.

WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, IS THE BIGGEST BENEFIT TO GARDENING?

Being outdoors, observing insects and other pollinators, feeling the sun on my face, eating food grown in the garden, and surprising someone with a homegrown bouquet. ●

Anne Schellman is the Coordinator for the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program in Stanislaus County. The office is at 3800 Cornucopia Way, Suite A, Modesto, CA 95358 and the phone number to reach the Master Gardener program is 209-525-6802.

Trending Colors And Textures Inspire 2023 Home Design

Over the past year, architectural design saw a surge in natureinspired, earth tones, such as calming shades of blue and green. Homeowners can expect this trend to continue into the coming months, but with warmer, richer colors.

is ongoing interest in warm neutrals with earthy undertones and pink and blush shades is likely to be increasingly popular in 2023 as homeowners become more adventurous with their color choices as a form of creative expression.

Trending Colors

Selecting the right colors for your home project is o en in uenced by both your personal preferences and the latest design trends. Some contemporary options to consider include:

EARTH TONES: Warmer, naturallooking earth tones are versatile, working seamlessly with just about any design or architectural style of home. Some trending hues include muted terracotta, green, yellow and plum.

WARM NEUTRALS: Although they’re not typically used as statement colors, warm neutrals bring a sense of comfort while also o ering an inviting, blank canvas to let individuality ow freely. On-trend options include shades of dark brown, caramel, tan or o -white.

RICH, DARK COLORS: ese deep, saturated hues can make a house stand out and look more modern while still o ering a nod to warmer hues. Chocolate brown, brick red or dark jade are popular choices for those who prefer rich hues.

PINK AND BLUSH SHADES: Various shades of pink, rose and blush will be increasingly popular choices for homeowners exuding a greater sense of self-expression. In home design, look for these colors to appear in coral, pink, red-orange, raspberry or blush tones.

SWEET PASTELS: ere are signs homeowners are ready to bring colors back into their homes. Expect to see sweet pastel shades like so pink, mint green and light purple in furniture, decor and accessories.

Materials With Texture

With warm neutrals and earth tones dominating the color palette, both interior and exterior design will depend heavily on texture to add de nition. More design choices will move away from faux nishes and instead focus on natural and authentic looks, many of which can be achieved through brick and stone.

Brick and stone give designers options for adding depth and dimension, integrating a play on light and shadows with a variety of textural elements.

Brick carries a sense of tradition, character and timelessness while also serving as a popular choice for homeowners due to its design exibility. Qualities such as low-maintenance, resilience, durability, sustainability and beauty make brick an option that allows homeowners to balance function with appearance.

Try a virtual design tool like Picture Perfect, which can help you visualize projects, or nd other style inspiration at glengery.com.

Bring Color With Brick

Brick is o en selected for its functional bene ts, but it’s also an appealing building product due to its versatile color, texture and size combinations. Color can evoke a certain mood and assist in achieving a desired outcome.

O en, architects and designers even incorporate multiple colors or create custom looks by using multiple brick colors and styles. ●

By TERESA HAMMOND

You’ve gotta nd a way to keep the glass half full.

at’s what I realized recently, as I re ected on the end of the 2022 year and all that it was, as well as wasn’t.

Truth be told, I’m a glass half full or (at times) over poured glass kinda girl. I’m not sure why or how and quite honestly as I grow older and experience different personality types in most cases I think it’s just how we are built.

Oh sure, life isn’t perfect and I have plenty of down moments. ose are the moments made for those who know me best and can process the vulnerability and simply let me vent.

Before expanding further on said “glass,” I feel it’s important to dispel the myth.

Recently at the conclusion of an interview, the person I had met and I were having some candid conversation about life in general and blessings. Her words to me (as someone I had just met) o ered me new perspective. As she proudly spoke of a struggling single mom she had just helped, she followed it with acknowledging yours truly with a comment of, “well you are an accomplished, successful woman, which I understand. Sometimes we need to help those who are struggling.”

Now, this wasn’t said with venom or disdain, as it might be read. It was a simple, innocent comment said in passing. However inaccurate it may be, in fairness it was her perception of the person who had arrived to interview her.

Some may not know this, but those of us in print journalism are not rollin’ in the ‘Benjamins.’ Quite to the contrary, I recently shared with a friend that I o en think of my career as one of service. Most of us do it for the love of varying things: storytelling, the chase, the community or a bit of all of the above. If you cross someone in print doing it for the love of money, well please drop my name because that’s someone I’d like to network with.

So, for those who may have a similar or varied perception of this recount, from what I share in these pages or what you have heard, let me o er some additional insight.

I am (and have been) a single mom for close to 12 years. Like many others in our community, there is no knight in shining armor paving the way for myself and my two teens. From March of 2020 to present day, I continue to battle a diagnosis of Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Since that diagnosis, weeks before the shutdown of the pandemic (might I add), there have been plenty of things in my life which have not gone as I might have hoped. I mean, cancer should be enough, right? But that’s not life.

Additionally, if you’ve followed this column space you know I’m a runner and running, crazy as it may seem, brings me the greatest joy. In 2020 I was to run the Chicago Marathon; a bucket list item and my sixth full marathon to date.

Since my diagnosis I had to defer my entry and as of this year I had to give that up completely as I won’t be well enough to train. Now to some that’s no big deal, but to me it is. A dream postponed ‘til who knows when. Similar to a dream vacation never realized because of nancial setback or loss of a loved one.

Life is a roller coaster of ups and downs, goods and bads.

I’ve always believed that we gain our greatest lessons during the hard times or in athlete terms, we learn more from the losses than the wins. Facts. ere weren’t a lot of “goals” accomplished for yours truly in 2022. It was truly a year of survival and as a cancer ghting warrior raising two teens, I’m here to tell you, hallelujah and amen for survival! at being said, if someone sat me down and asked how would you sum up this past year, the word which comes most to mind is “joy” closely followed by “heartache.” Welcome to life. e thing about a half full glass, which I feel not enough of us talk about, is we recognize simply that; it’s half full. We see what’s missing, we understand void, we ‘feel’ just like everyone else. Yet in spite of it all we celebrate, embrace joy and remain grateful for what is there, what is le , what lls our glass. e year of 2022 allowed some great memories with some really special people. Road trips to San Francisco to see the doctor or receive treatment with some of my most favorite people. Celebrations of hurdles cleared. My kids went back to school full time without masks and our o ces were able to reopen without plastic between us and the community. Several of our o ces relocated as well, which gave us each a fresh new start under our, not so new name, of 209 Multimedia.

Looking back on my version of 2022, yeah it’s not so great quite honestly, but for me – it’s everything.

So yes, in 2022 I continued a journey with cancer. My medical team continues to grow and for those who love me, so too does the worry.

But ya know what – we had one heck of a year.

We were able to put our feet in the sand a few times as a family and document it for preservation. And while we may not have made it on a plane, that plan’s to come in 2023, no doubt. e kids and I will travel again and more memories will be made.

Mostly we were able to feel joy and love, as well as give it, because at the end of the day when we nd ourselves faced with heartache what better medicine is there?

Oh, sure, I see you pessimists shaking your head and I wish you good luck. Because you see, at the end of it all, it all boils down to something I began preaching to my children when they were toddlers. It’s about choice.

You can choose to see the weed as a weed or you can choose to see the blossom which stems from it.

I’m grateful for the blossoms, even when surrounded by weeds. So, here’s to a year which brought a few unexpected and new weeds and the blossoms which grew as a result.

Isn’t life funny? e reality is simple. Whether you view the glass as half full or half empty, the fact still remains … you’re blessed to have a glass. Better yet, as a friend recently shared with me when having this “glass” discussion, “For you it seems, it doesn’t matter if the glass is half full or empty. You always have a pitcher at the table!”

Cheers to it all: the glass, the pitcher and the months to come for an epic 2023. ●