Asmundson Hall Map

Visitors with vegetable gardening question will get free answers from the Department of Vegetable Crops “Vegetable Garden Doctors” holding office hours from 10 am–3pm Picnic Day. Look for them near a display of living garden vegetables at the Department’s Asmundson Hall exhibit located near the southwest corner of California Avenue and North Quad. They can also pick up free gardening publications by extension specialists on “What, Where and How Much to Plant” plus information on vegetables, herbs, specialty corn and mustard; sustainable farming methods; pest management; fertilization and harvesting.

See the wild ancestors of the modern tomatoes, plus an assortment of tomato mutants, and learn about how they are used in breeding and research. Also look at a tomato time line tracing the development of the tomato. Choose a free tomato start for your own yard from three vigorous varieties specially selected to thrive in local soil and climate conditions along with instructions for its care and cultivation (while supplies last) on the northeast porch.

Other Vegetable Crops displays will feature fresh salad greens along with expert advice on how store and prepare them. A fresh vegetable stand will offer wholesome snacks.

Department students and faculty members will be available throughout the day to explain exhibits and to answer questions.

Robbins Hall Map

New environmentally friendly methods, currently being developed to control weeds in California’s fields and landscapes, will be featured at Robbins Hall on California Avenue. In the covered west entrance, visitors can consult an on-duty “Doctor” from the Weed Science Program for answers to questions on invasive weeds, weed identification and management or other aspects of gardening and general plant biology. They can also pick up free weed identification and control publications by extension specialists. One display in the area, challenges onlookers to test their knowledge with a weed identification quiz. Don't forget to get a Vegetable Crops and Weed Science balloon!

Another display highlights the threat posed by Aqatic Invaders—some of California’s most destructive aquatic weed pests—such as water gyacinth, hydrilla, Eurasian watermilfoil and egeria. Hands-on activities will demonstrate the remarkable adaptations made by aquatic plants to survive, invade and reproduce.

The Herbarium inside Robbins Hall will display California wildflowers in Room 184. Staff members will be available to discuss the exhibit and answer questions