Napa Master Gardener Column

We have had our first rain, and the nights are starting to get cold. Napans are fortunate: we can enjoy our gardens pretty much year-round and that includes working in them. I welcome rain. First, it means fire season is over. It also softens the soil, making it easier to pull out weeds.

Every year at this time, deciduous trees drop their leaves. This natural phenomenon has many benefits. For one thing, trees don't really need their leaves now that the days are shorter and there's less sunlight for photosynthesis.

Several decades ago, I went hiking on Mount Tamalpais with the mother of a good friend. She handed me a burlap bagreason unknownand off we went. I soon found out why she wanted me to carry a bag.

I was lucky enough to buy a small Napa house in 2008. Trees, shrubs, and a lawn dominated the large backyard. Mowing the lawn took a long time due to the rocky terrain and poor shape of the lawn. Not what I wanted to do on a Saturday. Then there was the weeding and watering.

The Napa County Master Gardeners hosted a Fall Faire last month. The event turned out to be very successful even though Mother Nature paid a visit and gave us a downpour.