Under the Solano Sun

With tomatoes, I'm probably over-optimistic the same as I'm over-optimistic with about everything I try in the garden. It's hard not to be. A new generation of breeders has revived interest in forgotten heirloom varieties.

I planted three varieties of garlic last October. As I watered my crop one morning, I noticed that the plants from one variety are not doing as well as the other two. They're a lot smaller and look like they were not getting enough water. Puzzled, I started poking around it.

I never heard a peep and rarely saw the female! In fact, the babies remain quiet which is their protection.

One of the many benefits of gardening is a sense of beauty and wonder that the discovery of new and beautiful plants bestows on the observer.

This last October my Christmas Cactus started to bloom just before my husband and I were to leave on a trip to Tahoe. I was a little disappointed to think I was going to miss most of its bloom time. But when we returned, at the end of the month, it was still going strong.