Under the Solano Sun

golden yellow sunflower highlighted in a field of sunflowers against the blue sky

Seasonal observations by UC Master Gardeners of Solano County

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Lemon Tree. photos by Melinda Nestlerode
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The Trials of Dwarf Fruit Trees

August 4, 2021
My gardening style is often trial and error. This was especially true prior to taking the Master Gardener training and taking horticultural classes at Solano Community College.
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photo by Betty Victor
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How Plants Got their Names

August 3, 2021
Have you ever wondered how flowers got their names? I know I have. I have a book 100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names by Diana Wells. In the book, she tells of how 100 plants were named. I decided to look up two plants that I have in my yard.
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screenshot from CDC on Twitter
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Ticks

August 2, 2021
California lays claim to about 48 tick species, most that don't cause humans problems. However, one species is now creating a surge of Lyme Disease along the coastal areas. A tiny sesame-seed-sized insect, the Western black-legged tick is the culprit.
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photo by Jenni Dodini
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Monarda didyma

July 30, 2021
I don't know how many of you take the Daily Republic, but my mom and I still do. In a Friday issue before Mothers' Day, there was an article about a newer variety of Monarda that looked like lacy flowers.
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Enchanting Salvias - photo by Paula Pashby
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Nectar Replenishment

July 28, 2021
I recently took some time to relax near our Salvia garden, which comprises Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans), Heatwave Glimmer Sage (Salvia microphylla), Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii), and Purple Sage (Salvia leucophylla).
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