Napa Master Gardener Column

When we look at a plant or tree, the bright foliage, tempting fruit or majestic stature might be the first thing we notice. But quietly humming along are the root systems that make all of these things possible. Most roots live below ground and are difficult to observe firsthand.

By Pat Hitchcock, UC Master Gardener of Napa County Napa County Master Gardeners recently had the opportunity to hear a wildlife specialist talk about managing vertebrate pests in gardens and landscapes. Participants were asked to list their five most troublesome vertebrate pests.

An Iris Primer, by Iris Craig My mother loved flowers: she named me Iris. Having a flower name has affected my life and perhaps led me to be a Master Gardener. When I purchased my house 40 years ago, friends arrived with iris rhizomes for my garden.

By T. Eric Nightingale, UC Master Gardener of Napa County I love California native plants. I also love to eat. Until recently I had not considered the possibility of an overlap between these two passions.

Penny Pawl, U. C. Master Gardener of Napa County Worms are not native to North America. About 20,000 years ago, our continent experienced an Ice Age, along with Europe and Asia. The phenomenon decimated the worm population, with the only survivors in parts of Turkey and the Mediterranean.