UC Master Gardeners Share Senior-Friendly Garden Design Tips and Support

The UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County presented practical strategies for maintaining a gardening passion into senior years, addressing a challenge many experienced gardeners face: continuing to garden as the body becomes less limber and agile with age.

The workshop, titled "Gardening for a Lifetime," was held Saturday, February 14 at the Madelyn Helling Library in Nevada City. Presenters focused on three key areas to help aging gardeners adapt their practice:

Garden Design Modifications: Strategies for restructuring garden layouts to reduce physical strain

Plant Selection: Choosing plants that require less demanding care while maintaining visual appeal and satisfaction

Physical Health Maintenance: Suggestions for maintaining good physical health to enable continued gardening into senior years

About UC Master Gardeners

UCCE Master Gardeners are volunteers trained and certified by the University of California to provide research-based information about home horticulture and pest management. The program emphasizes that gardeners of all ages can benefit from their expertise. Their motto: "Advice to grow by... just ask us!"

How to Connect

The Master Gardeners program maintains regular office hours and accepts questions about local gardening challenges. A Master Gardener is generally available at their office at 255 South Auburn Street in Grass Valley on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Gardening questions can also be submitted to the Gardening Hotline at 530-273-0919.

The program offers public workshops and demonstrations throughout the year. For information about upcoming events, visit the UC Master Gardeners Nevada County Facebook page or @nevadacountymg on Instagram.