The Latest Dirt - July 2024
Dawn Kooyumjian Welcomes Us to Her Garden
by David George
![Great Tomato Plant Sale visitors are welcomed by Contra Costa County UC Master Gardeners Program Coordinator Dawn Kooyumjian. Photo by Fletcher Oakes. Great Tomato Plant Sale visitors are welcomed by Contra Costa County UC Master Gardeners Program Coordinator Dawn Kooyumjian. Photo by Fletcher Oakes.](http://ucanr.edu/sites/ccmg/files/399481display.jpg)
What were your interests and life like before joining UC Master Gardeners?
“I have been fascinated by gardening since I was a kid, studying the Sunset Western Garden book like a school textbook. As an undergrad at UC Berkeley, my initial interests were engineering and math, but I found myself drawn to the music department and graduated with a BA in Music. I went on to earn a Master’s in Piano Accompaniment from the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut, which also included harpsichord. While living in Washington, DC, I accompanied classical musicians on both piano and harpsichord. A highlight was accompanying on harpsichord the entire Handel’s Messiah in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. In graduate school, the harpsichords were always needing attention. I thought there’d be no better way to learn all about how they work than to build my own from a kit: cabinet, keyboard, strings, paint and décor, the whole thing. I’ve played it in Bay Area concerts for over 25 years, including at the Berkeley Festival and Exposition and with Baroque Etcetera.”
From Glen Shannon’s YouTube page, “My friends in Baroque Etcetera playing the Sinfonia from Bach’s cantata “Non sa, che sia dolore,” BWV 209. One of my all-time favorites for the flute! March 19, 2011, at Good Shepherd Episcopal in Berkeley, CA.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAAwwO0K5Hc&t=6s
Wow! That’s quite a music background. When did you embrace your gardening passion?
![Contra Costa County UC Master Gardeners Program Coordinator Dawn Kooyumjian in her garden. Photo Courtesy D. Kooyumjian. Contra Costa County UC Master Gardeners Program Coordinator Dawn Kooyumjian in her garden. Photo Courtesy D. Kooyumjian.](http://ucanr.edu/sites/ccmg/files/399480display.jpg)
Ah, so that’s how you picked up that awesome plant vocabulary. Did you then apply to become a UC Master Gardener in 2015?
“Yes. My home was in Richmond, and the Contra Costa Master Gardeners held their New Volunteer Training class that year at the Richmond Field Station. I was certified along with a bunch of other West County Master Gardeners. Our program coordinator retired that fall. In October, 10 of us West County UC Master Gardeners got together for a tomato-tasting event. After some wine and tomatoes, they approved a ‘proclamation’ stating that I should apply for the position. So, it’s all their fault (she laughs again).”
What has been the most enjoyable aspect of managing the Contra Costa program so far?
“Just watching how the program has grown and expanded since 2015 has been enjoyable and rewarding. We do more outreach in our communities now, more projects and project teams, and great ideas for reaching underserved residents. Of course, this has all been through the hard work, dedication, and vision of our Master Gardener volunteers. It’s truly been amazing to watch our activity levels grow. Contra Costa UC Master Gardeners is an extraordinary program now.
So, what’s cooking in your own garden?
![Dawn’s rescue dog Tucker looks on happily while Dawn digs a hole in her garden. Photo by D. Kooyumjian. Dawn’s rescue dog Tucker looks on happily while Dawn digs a hole in her garden. Photo by D. Kooyumjian.](http://ucanr.edu/sites/ccmg/files/399482display.jpg)
“Because of my limited backyard space years ago, I sheet-mulched a weedy part of my neighbor’s front yard that sits between our homes. With his blessing, I’ve steadily added more vegetables and flowers to this space. Our neighbors drop by to take photos or to pick whatever is in season: sunflowers, zinnias, pumpkins, dahlias, cut flowers. It’s my fun outreach to the neighborhood.”
How do you relax and decompress after a long day?
“Oh, I play with my garden plants, and I love to play with my dog. I play piano or harpsichord for relaxation and practice, and I love to knit. I just took an Armenian needlelace course and am excited to make my own. I also love to cook – homegrown veggies are my favorites.”
Would you like to share a message with our Contra Costa Master Gardeners?
“Yes! I want to thank everyone for their volunteerism, ideas, and energy. Nothing happens without our CoCoMG volunteers – no plant sales, AAMG booths, demonstration gardens, community gardens, school gardens, or Help Desk. We’ve shown that we can adapt quickly to changing circumstances, like quickly building presentation webinars during COVID-19. The program is powered by talented, experienced, and dedicated individuals who generously work to advance our mission. All I can say is, Thank You!”
And thanks to you, Dawn, for your time, leadership, and support these past eight years. The future looks bright!