Under the Solano Sun

Capparis spinosa, aka, caper bush is a fruiting plant (not a vegetable) native to the Mediterranean region, parts of Asia and the Arabian peninsula.

Earlier this spring I set out to prepare my raised bed gardens to plant a variety of vegetables. I was quite pleased to find that the soil was in perfect condition for the growing season, since winter cover crops had brought valuable organic nutrients to the garden.

Recently, I planted a new butterfly garden about a hundred feet from my house. I love it and each morning I go down with my coffee, look around and admire the new plants that I envision will attract a gazillion butterflies in the months and years to come.

There are several cultivars of this perennial flower commonly known as the Black Eyed Susan. One of the cultivars you have most likely seen in the landscape and nurseries is R. hirta Indian Summer' which gained popularity in 1995 as a winner from the All-American Selections.

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