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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photos by Launa Herrmann
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Cineraria-Brilliant Color Combos

December 14, 2022
If you haven't introduced a Cineraria into your flowerbed, you're missing an often overlooked plant that is truly amazing. This non-native to the United States is easy to grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, actually preferring our low humidity.
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photos by Al Alvarado
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Merry Christmas Cactus!

December 13, 2022
We have an enchanting little plant that sits on our kitchen counter. This plant has many common names, such as Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus, Easter cactus, and holiday cactus, but is most known as the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera).
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"ose Garden of the White House by The White House is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.
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From the White House to Your House

December 12, 2022
Though we think of our country's capitol as a place of constant change, with Congress and the administration making grand entrances and exits every two and possibly every four years, there is one place that continues to be relatively stable the pristine grounds of the White House.
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Franz and Bowie under the Rainbow. photo by Melinda Nestlerode
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Where Have All the Rainbows Gone?

December 9, 2022
As a child in California, rainbows were a common occurrence during the winter. We had plenty of rain. California was the bread basket of our country; our primary source for tomatoes, almonds, grapes, cotton, and dozens of other products.
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Compost
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Leaves

December 8, 2022
What do you think of when you see leaves? By now you have heard leaves are good, maybe you even have some in your compost pile. You may know from Compost 101 that compost does best with a mix of browns and greens, and that fallen leaves are usually a brown.
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