The Real Dirt

As days shorten and temperatures cool, the pace of gardening slows along with plant growth. But there is still plenty to be done during the fall and winter months. In fact, much of what is done in the garden now will set the tone for the following year. Cleaning up the garden is an important chore.

With our long, hot summers and drought seemingly becoming the norm, many home gardeners are on the lookout for water-efficient plants.

The fungal disease oak root rot (Armillaria mellea) has evolved with California oaks and other native plants. It is parasitic on oaks and other plant species, but if these plants are growing in our environment of moist winters and dry summers, this fungus is normally kept in check.

If you are starting a list of plants to put in the ground this 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.

You've seen these terms often: drought tolerant and water-wise. For water conservation and sustainable gardening, Master Gardeners recommend plants that are adapted to the long, hot, dry summers of the Mediterranean climate.