Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

Location:
11549 Fair Oaks Boulevard (Map/Directions)
Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Edible landscape areas are open only during workshops and open garden days (schedule). The Water Efficient Landscape gardens are open to the public every day throughout the year sun-up to sun-down.

The Fair Oaks Horticulture Center was established in 1998 as a Sacramento County UC Cooperative Extension project. Collaborators include the Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District, who graciously provides the land, water, and electricity, and the Regional Water Authority.

Master Gardeners maintain the one-acre center and hold periodic workshops (schedule). The center includes a water-efficient landscape, an orchard, a table grape vineyard, berries, a vegetable garden, herbs, and a compost and vermiculture demonstration area.

At our January workshop, you will learn how to prune just about everything. Come to open garden days and go at your own pace through the various demonstration areas. Ask us about problems in your garden, and we'll give you answers and advice. And don't miss Harvest Day held the first Saturday in August!

Reservations are not necessary for our events
Fair Oaks Horticulture Center is in Fair Oaks Park (Map/Directions)
Sorry, service dogs only are allowed in the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
Tax-deductible donations gratefully accepted
Questions? Call 916-876-5338

Quick links

Study findings

In the video below, Judy McClure, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, describes some of the activities that take place at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center.

History and Funding

The Fair Oaks Horticulture Center began in 1981 with the establishment of the Fair Oaks Community Garden. UC Master Gardeners have expanded the plantings since 1998 and have installed demonstration plantings of fruit trees (including "fruit bushes"), table grapes (30+ varieties), berries (blue, black, boysen, and raspberries), and vegetables. In 2003, a half-acre water efficient landscape demonstration garden was installed. Periodic free workshops are held (see schedule). Donations are reqested to maintain the center and develop additional instructional resources.

The Fair Oaks Horticulture Center is a cooperative project between the Sacramento UC Cooperative Extension and the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District. UC Master Gardeners discuss and demonstrate the topics to be covered during each program.

History

1998 – Orchard planted; first workshops and Harvest Day

2000 – Center expanded to vineyard, berry area, vegetable garden, and herbs

2002 – Pond installed

2003 – Water-Efficient Landscape gardens established

2004 – 1,000 people at Harvest Day

2006 – Open Garden days added; back citrus row planted

2008 – Compost demonstration started

2010 – 2,000 people at Harvest Day

2013 – 3,000 people at Harvest Day

2015 – Ultra Water-Efficient Landscape planted

2016 – Pond rebuilt

2018 – 20th Anniversary of the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

In the video below, Chuck Ingels, Sacramento County Farm Advisor, tells the history of the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center.

Major Funding Sources to Establish the Center:

Elvenia J. Slosson Endowment Fund (UC Davis)

California Department of Water Resources, Water Use Efficiency Program

Sacramento County Transient Occupancy Tax

Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District

Regional Water Authority

Fair Oaks Water District