Native Plant Boot Camp

Join UC Master Gardeners for a FREE Native Plant Boot Camp!

August 2nd, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Learn to grow a thriving, water-wise garden with California native plants through workshops, expert demonstrations and hands-on activities that are perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Discover how to support local wildlife and pollinators while creating beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes! Explore some of the ways we can combine native plants and art to capture the beauty in our world.

Gates will open at 9:30 and the first workshops and demonstrations begin right at 10:00 am!

We’re thrilled to have you join us for our event, which promises to be an enriching experience filled with workshops, hands-on activities, and captivating demonstrations. We are delighted to collaborate with other esteemed groups from Monterey County and beyond, all of whom share our common goal of assisting you in cultivating a sustainable and enjoyable gardening experience.

Get ready to explore booths from the Audubon and Xerces Societies, where you can immerse yourself in fascinating educational content. Engage in an exhilarating science activity with the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, and let the creativity flow as you interact with talented artists who will guide you on a deeper exploration of nature.

Additionally, Blue Moon Native Garden will be present, offering a delightful selection of native plants for purchase!

Of course, UC Master Gardeners will be available to answer your questions, from directions to the next workshop to information on gardening-related topics, including how you can become a Master Gardener!

Come on down and enjoy a fabulous day at the Rancho Cielo campus!

Workshops:

Choose from a wide selection of workshops where you can learn how to use native plants effectively in your landscape. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of color or are planning a significant project like removing your lawn, we’ve got something for you.

Native Plants for Year-Round Color
- Mandy Salm, UCMG
Creating Habitat in your Backyard with Native Plants
- Amanda Preece, Monterey Audubon Society
Backyard & Worm Composting
- Estella Guerrero, Salinas Solid Waste Authority
  - The composting workshop is divided into two sections: backyard and worm composting. Backyard and worm composting will help you turn kitchen scraps and yard trimmings into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting helps reduce greenhouse gases, provides nutrient-rich soil, and offers an environmentally superior alternative to landfilling.
Replace your Lawn with Low-Growing California Natives
- Barbara Rae-Venter, UCMG
Creating Artful & Endemic Gardens Inspired by the Plant Communities of Monterey County
- Marie Goulet, Owner, Wild Lands Workshop
Site Preparation for California Native Plant Gardens
- Laura Murphy, Resource Conservation District of Monterey County (RCDMC)
  - Learn how to assess and work with your landscape to lay the foundation for a thriving California native plant garden. This class covers key principles for observing and understanding site conditions—such as soil, light, water, and microclimates—and explores thoughtful strategies for working with or gently modifying these conditions. Gain the knowledge to create a resilient, ecologically sound garden that supports long-term success.

Demonstrations:

Are you looking to learn gardening techniques in person? YouTube isn’t cutting it? We’ve got you covered! We’ll be hosting demonstrations of some common garden topics, allowing you to see things up close and ask questions as you learn.

Pruning Native Plants:
- Tara Keyser
  - Introducing basic pruning practices, an overview of tool types, cleaning and sharpening your tools. As well as giving clear strategies for pruning your native plants when winter comes around.
How to Water - or Not Water - Native Plants:
- Ramie Allard, UCMG
  - To water or not to water? That indeed may be the question when it comes to native plants. We'll look into best irrigation practices when it comes to getting your native plants settled in and how to care for them once they are fully established.

Materials for making a sage bundle on a table

Hands-On Activities

Are you ready to dive right in and discover ways to utilize the bounty from your native plant garden? Our hands-on activities will provide you with an opportunity to explore this exciting topic. Whether you're drawn to crafting, connecting with tradition, or simply curious, these activities offer space to learn through doing.

Create Your Own Sage Bundle for Smoke Cleansing
- Jazmin Lopez, UCMG
  - Join Master Gardener Jazmin Lopez for a hands-on workshop where you'll create your own smoke cleansing bundle using garden-grown white sage, black sage, and aromatic herbs. Learn about traditional uses, how to grow your own sage, and sustainable harvesting. All materials provided—leave with a handmade bundle and the skills to craft more at home.
Willow Branch Wreath Making
- Kerith Koontz & Stephanie Campbell, UCMG
  - Supple willow branches have been used by Native Californians to create baskets and other items. Try crafting a beautiful and natural wreath using freshly harvested willow you can take home.
Wildflower Sketching Basics: Getting to Know Plants Through Drawing
- Erin Hunter, Fine Art & Illustration
  - If you're interested in becoming familiar with native plants, sketching is a great way to really get to know them. Observational drawing helps you to really see a plant, to pay close attention to what makes one plant unique from another. Artist and science illustrator Erin E. Hunter will demonstrate observational drawing of native plants, and will set up stations with sketch paper and plants for any passers-by who may want to try their hand at sketching. As Erin says, "once I've drawn a plant, I get to know it so well that I start to see it everywhere—it stands out from the crowd like an old friend." Come spend a little time observing plants, learning a bit of botanical anatomy, and enjoying the meditative practice of sketching.
Sew Bee it. Pollinators & Patchwork
- Christine Walkingstick, UCMG
  - "Bee" inspired by pollinators through sewing folk art with Master Gardener/ Master Seamstress, Christine Walkingstick. Learn about future sustainability and how to sew. Create a patchwork to take home with you for future inspiration. A table of creative materials, notions and all supplies will be available.
Keeping a Garden Journal
- Melinda Nakagawa, http://sparkinnature.com/
  - Find it hard to recall when you planted or pruned? Learn simple ways to sketch and scribble your notes about your garden activities. Your garden journal will be a useful tool to remember what worked, track growth and deepen your connections through every season.
  - Bring a notebook, sketchbook or journal and a pen. Colored pencils optional. No experience needed.

About Rancho Cielo Youth Campus

The Native Plant Boot Camp will be held at the beautiful Rancho Cielo Youth Campus at 710 Old Stage Road in Salinas. Rancho Cielo's mission is to invest in all young people facing challenges for success through diploma education, vocational training, counseling and life skills development in a safe and affirming environment. Learn more about Rancho Cielo here.