Napa Master Gardener Column

By Penny Pawl, UC Master Gardener of Napa County Ceanothus is ideal for use in our Napa Valley gardens. The plant is native to California and very drought-tolerant once established. There are almost 50 species in our state and most are evergreen. It blooms all summer with lilac-like blossoms.

by Penny Pawl, UC Master Gardener of Napa County Because of the drought, I am trying French intensive gardening (also known as small-space gardening or square-foot gardening) this year. Rather than spread my vegetables out, I am using the French intensive method to save water.

By Carrie Strohl, UC Master Gardener of Napa County Gardening has always been a great way to grow food, connect with nature and stay physically active, and these benefits are no different for children.

By Susanne von Rosenberg, UC Master Gardener of Napa County I still remember my first fresh figs. My family was traveling in Southern Europe and my dad stopped at a roadside stand. He was so happy that they had figs.

By Pat Hitchcock, UC Master Gardener of Napa County One of the pleasures of having a large, messy vegetable garden is that plants that get ignored past their useful life as an edible still have value. I've learned this slowly over time.