Gardens of Mariposa County
The UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County are involved with public gardens of many types and sizes. Public gardens fall into three categories, each with their own purpose.
Demonstration Gardens
Demonstration gardens are designed and maintained by UC Master Gardeners to demonstrate specific gardening styles, methods or plant groups. Classes are often held at these gardens and plants are often labeled.
The UC Master Gardeners maintain two demonstration gardens in Mariposa County--the Mariposa Creek Parkway Native Plant Demonstration Garden in Mariposa and the Firehouse Garden in Coulterville.
Community Gardens
Community gardens are built and maintained by community organizations or agencies for a variety of purposes. A nursing home may develop a community garden for its residents to enjoy or the county may develop a garden for community members to grow their own food. UC Master Gardeners may help design and offer advice or classes at a community garden, but the maintenance and day-to-day care of the garden is managed by the organization.
The UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County are working with a number of county organizations to assist them in the design of community gardens. We are working with CAL FIRE in Mariposa to design a firewise, drought tolerant community demonstration garden at the firehouse in Mariposa. We are working with Mariposa County to create recreational and practical community gardens in Mariposa for residents and tourists to enjoy.
School Gardens
School gardens work to reach the next generation with a variety of skills (gardening and curriculum based) that encourage a sustainable future. School gardens are maintained by the school (or a class) though UC Master Gardeners often visit students at the garden to demonstrate garden skills or offer short garden-related lessons.
The UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County work with local schools and the Mariposa County 4-H program to promote school gardens and guide the next generation into a sustainable future.