The Winters Community Library Teaching Garden, developed by UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County, has been chosen as one of the featured sites for the 13th Annual Gardens Got Natives Tour, scheduled for April 18 and 19. The garden, located at 708 Railroad Avenue, was established eight years ago through collaboration between UC Master Gardener Stephanie Myers, volunteers, and local organizations.
The selection highlights the garden’s role as a community resource that offers educational opportunities on sustainable gardening and native plants. The project began in 2018 when Myers was invited by Winters Friends of the Library to transform an underused plot into a teaching space focused on low-water-use plants and pollinator habitats. “Investing in community relationships is important; the results are in the garden,” Myers said.
Development of the garden involved creating a Memorandum of Understanding among UC Regents/Cooperative Extension Capital Corridor, Winters Joint Unified School District (WJUSD), and Yolo County Library to clarify responsibilities for funding and maintenance. Volunteers cleared overgrown vegetation, installed new irrigation systems with help from city crews, and planted a variety of species. Over three phases—completed in 2018, 2020, and 2025—the number of plant species grew to 130, including 65 California natives.
Support came from several organizations: Rotary Club of Winters provided plant identification stakes; WFoL donated benches; City of Winters contributed patio furniture using recycling funds; Yocha DeHe and Yolo County Resource Conservation District offered additional funding; Putah Creek Council assisted with planting during expansions. The annual spring plant sale coincides with this year’s tour on April 18 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) secures funding through public contributions to support its programs according to its official website. UC ANR promotes sustainable practices to strengthen resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to its official website. It utilizes nine research and extension centers as laboratories representing California’s diverse ecosystems according to its official website.
UC ANR is recognized for linking research to community needs according to its official website and manages Cooperative Extension services as part of the University of California system according to its official website. Each year it conducts more than 33,000 educational events with over 18,000 volunteers engaged in initiatives statewide according to its official website. The organization extends university research across all counties through workshops and partnerships supporting environmental stewardship and community development according to its official website.
The Winters Library Teaching Garden continues as a collaborative effort led by UC Master Gardeners-Yolo County. Volunteers maintain the site year-round while learning about gardening practices. As described by organizers, it remains a place where everyone can learn through hands-on experience.
