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

Primary Image
vase of brightly colored flowers
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Peony or Paoeny

July 1, 2025
Blog by Heather HamiltonFrom a florist's point of view…….This is the most stunning, fluffy flower that most brides want for their bridal bouquet. Regardless of the time of year that I meet with these ladies, they inevitably will bring up a picture, and without any knowledge, say, “Can I have these in my…
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Keeping Pollinators Around Year-Round

June 30, 2025
Article by Patti BrantleyAs I stepped out to hang a hummingbird feeder earlier this year, during the last months of winter, I began to notice that the hummingbirds preferred the real flowers of my orange tree and then soon after my Apricot tree, and later I began to think about how our garden blooms and the…
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Gardening to Attract Pollinators

June 30, 2025
Article by Melissa NestlerodeThe world's pollinators are in trouble. Nearly all Earth’s ecosystems depend on the pollination of flowering plants for survival. Seventy to seventy-five percent of all flowering plants require pollination. Pollination is crucial to our food supply, as at least thirty-five…
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You Can Grow Vanilla in Solano County?!

June 30, 2025
Article by Vincent HughesDid you know that you could grow one of the world’s most valuable spices right here in Solano County? The spice I’m talking about is none other than vanilla, or Vanilla planifolia, and yes, you can grow it for yourself right here at home. V. planifolia is a vining orchid native…
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Lewisia

June 27, 2025
Blog article by Jenni DodiniMy first encounter with Lewisia was at the Botanic Gardens in Reykjavik, Iceland. I was mesmerized, but alas, Fairfield doesn't have the same climate as Iceland. Honestly, though, at the time we were in Iceland in June, it was much the same as a nice day in San Francisco. …
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