Napa Master Gardener Column

By David Shubin, ISA Certified Arborist and UC Master Gardener of Napa County.   Master Gardeners are often asked about the best time to plant a fruit tree. And I think we usually all give the same answer: It depends.  I know that’s not a satisfying reply. It can feel vague, even evasive. But…

By Cindy Watter, UC Master Gardener of Napa County.   February is a good month for planning everything and planting some things.  When I review my gardening calendar/journal, I grin.  There is a yawning chasm between the plans and the accomplishments.But I have success in one thing: I…

By Penny Pawl, UC Master Gardener of Napa County.  Many of us have the variegated spider plant as a houseplant.  It is fascinating how this plant produces new plants and small white flowers at the end of a long stem.  Many years ago, a close friend planted her spider plant outdoors and…

By Cindy Watter, UC Master Gardener of Napa County.  Acanthus is one of my favorite plants. Right now, when my yard is mostly dormant—except for camellias and wild onions—it is a pleasure to see the acanthus unfurling its shiny dark green leaves .I see acanthus all over my neighborhood. It is an easy…

By Cindy Watter, UC Master Gardener of Napa County.   One of the advantages of living in Napa Valley is that we can garden year-round, not counting floods and fires.  That is also a disadvantage for the indolent gardener, who, unlike his or her East Coast counterpart, does not have down time…