Fred Hoffman, aka Farmer Fred- (University of California Cooperative Extension Lifetime Master Gardener) is the guest speaker for the General Meeting, July 25, 2:00 PM @ Kilaga Springs. “Building the Good Bug Hotel: How to attract Beneficial Insects to your Garden!”

Fred Hoffman Fred is the long time host of the “KFBK Garden Show”, Sundays 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on News/Talk 1530 KFBK, and, since 1992, the producer and host of “Get Growing,” heard each Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Talk 650 KSTE, both in Sacramento. Both shows are available via the IHeart Radio App as well as podcasts of the programs. Each week on the radio shows, Farmer Fred interviews garden experts from throughout Northern and Central California and tackles gardening questions and problems from listeners.

On television, Fred has been seen on HGTV, the DIY Network and PBS on such shows as “California Heartland,” “Gardening by the Yard,” and “The Dirt on Gardening.” A Sacramento County-based Master Gardener since 1982, he has compiled over 10,000 volunteer hours.” Fred and his wife, Jeanne, live in Folsom, where they ripped out the existing, water- thirsty landscapes and replaced it with raised garden beds, unthirsty plants and a modern irrigation system.

He visits the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center frequently, getting ideas for his own yard. He especially enjoys discovering newly blooming plants in the Water Efficient Landscape area at the Horticulture Center.

The Garden Writers Association of America presented Fred with two National Awards- for “Best Garden Radio Show” (for the KFBK Garden Show) and “Best Garden TV Show” (for California Heartland) in 2009. He has also been honored by the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers for “Best Website Design.”

For more local gardening information, visit his website, farmerfred.com. He also maintains the Get Growing with Farmer Fred page on Facebook as well as the Farmer Fred Rant blog page. On Twitter: @FarmerFred

The Garden Group’s website (lhgardengroup.org) has a direct link to Farmer Fred’s monthly garden task list!

The General Meeting will have: Brown Bag Sales and Q & A session about Garden topics before the meeting, and door prizes.

Also, two events will have tickets available at tables at the door: August 6-Field Trip the the Empire Mines ($31) and for the August 22 “Table Talk” Social ($5).