Marin Master Gardeners – Firewise Gardens

Posted by bonnie on 19 November 2019

Creating a Beautiful and Firewise Landscape with Bob Mauceli and Jim Kasper

Concerned about how to have a beautiful garden AND reduce the risk of wildfire reaching your home? Using photos of real gardens, the UC Marin Master Gardeners show participants how to grow gardens that are as attractive as they are firewise. This includes ideas for creating the all-important 0-5’ house perimeter, how to break up the continuity of plants on slopes, proper pruning and mulching guidelines, non-combustible hardscape materials that enliven paths and patios, and key maintenance practices. Participants can expect to walk away with a clear understanding of what to do (and not do) in their gardens.

Before becoming a Marin Master Gardener in 2014, Bob Mauceli was a Master Gardener for 9 years in New York. He lives on a north Novato hillside that has 21 Tuscan olive trees and is landscaped using native trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials.  Bob is also a member of the California Native Plant Society, and is a birder. He has built natural habitats in all the places he and his family have lived.

Jim Kasper joined UC Marin Master Garden in 2011. His gardening areas of interest are California natives with particular attention to garden planning and plant selection for fire-risk mitigation and defensible space. Since a 12-acre fire on public land 1/4-mile from his home, Jim has been involved with various organizations including GGNRA, Marin County Parks, Marin Master Gardeners, fire agencies in Marin County and the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society.

CE: 1 CE Unit