Last week, we were introduced to the UC Master Gardener program.
This week, we'll meet your instructors and next week, we'll learn about the series of classes being taught for beginning gardeners at Cambrian Library.
I noticed that each Master Gardener comes from a unique background. You don't have to work outdoors in order to become a Master Gardener!
Most Master Gardener biographies have been provided by Susan Holmer.
Bob Bowe
Bob led our orientation meeting about the Master Gardener classes and is our main point of contact.
"Over thirty years of executive financial management experience working with both public and private high tech companies in the Santa Clara Valley. As a teaching faculty member of the Network Equipment Technologies training programs, (he) taught finance and team leadership courses and taught upper level finance at Santa Clara University.
A UC trained Master Gardener for Santa Clara County (class of 2019) (he is comfortable) teaching gardening courses either in the classroom or via Zoom."
Bernie Day
"Bernie recently retired after 35 years as a college counselor and professor. Her passion is supporting individuals with identifying and meeting their personal, academic and career goals.
In the years since she became a UC Master Gardener (2011), her volunteer work has been focused on teaching gardening classes, facilitating monthly gardening talks at the Willow Glen Library, serving as a member of the Marshall Cottle Park Ornamental Team, and mentoring new master gardeners."
Susan Holmer
Susan provided the answers in our written interview last week, some of the bios here, and the Cambrian Library class information in Part 3 of 3.
"Susan started gardening in the shale and then the sandy soils of San Francisco before moving to the rich clay soils of Santa Clara County.
Following a career working for and in public libraries on the Peninsula she completed Master Gardener training in 2019.
As a reference (information) librarian in the pre-Internet days, she learned to “dig” for answers in print resources to find answers to the broad range of questions asked by library users. She also developed and taught training programs for other librarians to increase their knowledge of subject specific information.
Susan is looking forward to helping teach Gardening for Beginners for the 6th year."
Sue Neufeld
"Sue graduated from the Master Gardener training program in 2023.
She’s worked in many aspects of the program since graduation including pitching in at various educational plots at the Martial Cottle Park demo garden, teaching introductory gardening classes at Elmwood Correctional Facility, and working closely with other master gardeners to bring educational speakers to many libraries across Santa Clara County.
A big believer in the mission of the master gardeners to educate the public on home horticultural techniques, Sue has joined the Gardening for Beginners team and is excited to be a part of the Gardening for Beginners series of classes.
Outside of gardening, Sue and her husband have raised two sons, many dogs, cat and chickens and traveled the world together."
Jerry Thompson
Jerry provided the following biography.
"With years of hands-on experience cultivating vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a variety of settings—from small urban patios to larger backyard spaces—I am passionate about helping others discover the joys and benefits of gardening.
My journey in gardening began as a child, helping with the family garden. As I grew up and started living on my own gardening became a lifelong passion. Over time, I have learned not only how to nurture plants, but also how to create thriving, sustainable gardens tailored to the climate of Santa Clara Valley. I participated in the University of California’s Master Gardening Program, completing it in May for 2025. I love sharing practical tips that make gardening accessible for everyone.
I have a background in teaching, having been a professor at Samuel Merritt University Nursing program for 13 years (retired in 2021). My teaching style is friendly and encouraging, focusing on the basics to ensure that everyone feels confident. I am looking forward to being a member of the team that will be teaching Gardening for Beginners."
In next week's Part 3 of 3, we'll learn about how you can join the first Beginners Class at Cambrian Library.
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