Virginia Martin was trained as a Master Gardener in 2006 by the University of California Cooperative Extension program.
Virginia has been propagating plants for many years.  She has a ½ acre park-like garden at her home.  With winter frost and animal damage she loses plants but they can easily be replaced by the stock of propagated plants she grows and keeps in the wings.  She gives a class on propagation in the summer at our Gardening Education Center at the San Mateo Event Center. The abundance of plants propagated from the class are typically sold at the Spring Garden Market in April. ​

Elizabeth Newell is a former President of the Beekeeper's Guild of San Mateo County. Her website is almost live at www.humanebeeremoval.buzz

Our speaker, Frank Niccoli, will look in-depth at the alternatives to using pesticides. We will examine the insects you will see in your garden and ask the question “To spray or not to spray?’’ Sometimes you cause more harm by spraying. Find out how to grow more veggies and care for your ornamental plants with beneficial insects, bio-rational pesticides, and good cultural management.    Registration required: www.SanMateoArboretum.org or call 650-579-0536 ext 3
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​Frank Niccoli has been a gardener for over 50 years. He was seven when his grandmother taught him the magic in seeds.
Frank has a degree in horticulture having studied at the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and at the College of San Mateo. Frank also has a degree in Business Psychology and is an instructor in the Environmental Horticulture Dept at Foothill College 
He is the past president of the founding chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association and served on the Board for the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. 

​Celebrate the Fall Season by creating a succulent topped pumpkin centerpiece.  You bring a 6-8 inch wide uncarved pumpkin with stem on  and we will supply instruction, a variety of succulents and other natural materials, glue supplies and accessories you will need to create a beautiful fall decoration. Children ages 5 - 12 with accompanying adult.  Reservations are required.  Register online l or call 650-579-0536 x3.  

​Liane grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and graduated from Stanford with a degree in Human Biology and Neurophysiology. Liane worked in early childhood education for 10 years before moving to investment management for 15 years. Tired of 50+ hour work weeks and lots of stress, she quit her job and began taking a number of different classes from music to tap dance. Liane began taking floral design classes at College of San Mateo (CSM) in the Fall of 2002. She won awards for her theme design in the student competition at the 2003 American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium in St. Louis. In 2007, she earned a Certificate in Floral Design from CSM. After rigorous testing, she became a California Certified Florist in 2010. In 2013 she became Vice President of Floral Artists of the Bay Area (FAB), a floral club. She worked at Ah Sam Florist in San Mateo from 2002 to 2007. Since then she is employed as a part-time designer at Redwood City Florist on Woodside Road. Liane has assisted with Bouquets to Arts, the Filoli Floral Show, and other community floral events. She has taught beginning floral design classes through the San Mateo College Community Education program and continues to give floral design demonstrations. Liane lives in Belmont with her wonderful husband.

​Bring your imagination, pruning shears & light weight gloves. Using fresh colorful greens from San Mateo Central Park, you will be able to create a one-of-a-kind beautiful wreath. This is a family activity, children ages 5 - 12 with accompanying adult are welcome. All material provided including seasonal embellishments such as ribbon, cones and more! Please feel free to bring any treasures from your garden that you may wish to share and personalize your design.  Reservations are required. Register online  or call 650-579-0536 x3