The Real Dirt

The beauty and order of the earth's natural rhythm bring us once again to springseedtime-- and the promise of new life embedded within each seed.

If you are starting a list of plants to put in the ground this spring or fall, you might want to add a salvia or two. With just under 1000 varieties, Salvia is the largest genus in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Commonly known as sages, Salvias come in a dizzying variety of forms and colors.

Do you have a nectarine tree that has a history of producing scarred misshapen fruit? If so, the damage to the fruit is probably caused by western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and the time to think about controlling these pests is sooner rather than later.

Most of California has a Mediterranean-type climate with cool, rainy winters followed by hot, dry summers. Many of the plants for sale in nurseries need help to survive in this climate, and often require a lot of water during the summer.

Are you looking for a short winter outing that offers natural, educational, and meditative opportunities, welcomes children, and is not too far away? The Master Gardeners' Demonstration Garden lies just outside the Chico city limits on the Patrick Ranch property at 10381 Midway.