Red hot poker and Lion’s tail plants are among those providing color in the Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden during winter. Located at Patrick Ranch between Chico and Durham, the garden offers visitors an opportunity to observe both dormant and blooming plants even in colder months.
At the entrance, Winter Iris (Iris unguicularis) is visible with its purple flowers. Nearby, White Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is showing new leaves as it emerges from dormancy. The left corner of the garden features Red-hot Poker Lily (Kniphofia hybrid) and Lion’s Tail (Leonotis leonurus), which have retained their orange blooms through fall and winter.
Most fruit trees remain bare except for a Burgundy Plum tree that is budding early. Espaliered fruit trees line up next to the Edible Garden, where celery, chard, kale, bok choy, and broccoli are currently harvestable. Berry bushes await warmer weather before producing fruit.
In other sections of the garden, Vinca and Pitcher Sage thrive near the Wildlife Habitat Garden sign. Yellow Bush Snapdragon is beginning to show new growth while Holly Leaf Mountain Lilac (Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’) also signals spring with fresh foliage. Manzanita trees are flowering with pink clusters; their berries will feed wildlife later in the year.
The Succulent Garden features a Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis), surrounded by various succulents that store water for summer use.
According to organizers: “Even in winter a stroll through the Demonstration Garden can provide useful ideas and inspiration for one’s own home garden. And it’s a lovely way to spend some time outdoors!”
On Saturday, February 7th at Chapman Park Teaching Garden, UC Master Gardeners of Butte County will offer free winter-related talks as part of their Seasonal Garden Series with Chico Area Recreation and Park District. Registration is required for these sessions covering topics such as seed starting, composting, plant protection during winter, and using gardening journals.
The Master Gardeners 2026 Spring Workshop Series has also begun. It includes workshops on flower gardening, plant selection, pollinator gardens, vegetable gardening, firewise land stewardship and more through early June. Registration for February and March workshops is now open.
All talks and workshops are free but require registration via their website.
UC Master Gardeners of Butte County operate under University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE). For more information or assistance with local gardening issues—including contacting their hotline—visit their website or check details on their Ask Us section.
