Napa Master Gardener Column

There are many ways to propagate plants, but the method I want to share is asexual propagation. With this method, which does not rely on seeds, you duplicate a plant by rooting a cutting from it. For some species, it is the best way to maintain them.

T. Eric Nightingale returns this week to report on his recent search for uncommon fruits and vegetables. The time has finally come to start planning for summer crops. Looking over my seed packets, I feel an unexpected bout of restlessness.

With the surging interest in pollinator gardens and habitats, it is great to see so many home gardeners, parks and public spaces embrace the concept. When I first started looking into pollinator gardens, I thought any plant that attracts pollinators would do in all cases.

The challenges of caring for houseplants are often underestimated, and the successes rarely celebrated. A flower garden is easily visible to passersby, who may stop to discuss it and compliment you on your green thumb. Indoors, however, our efforts (sometimes, thankfully) go unseen.

The language of flowers . . . UC Master Gardeners Janice Encinger and Iris Craig have been doing their research! They prepared this for our Valentine's Day newspaper column in the Napa Valley Register, and here it is again, with pictures. Valentine's Day will soon be here.