History and Funding

Home » Fair Oaks Horticulture Center » History

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
 

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