The Savvy Sage

two purple sage flowers with a green background of foliage

A Master Gardeners blog to: Educate, Inspire, and Ignite Knowledge.

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Photo of a bee hovering near blossoms on an almond tree.

NUTS! That’s a Lot of Bees

March 18, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
 Questions About Honey Bees, Almonds, and the Pollination IndustryArticle by Greg Wessels - Small Bees, Big IndustryLast year, I attended the Almond Conference in Sacramento. Immediately upon entering the rather plain-looking double doors, I was struck by the scale of the floor space. Exhibitors…
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Photo of a orange and brown monarch butterfly perched on a flower stalk.

How City Parks Can Contribute to Conservation

March 18, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
 Article  by Diana Herrera - When I began working in regional and city parks two years ago, I started to look at parks differently. I had always enjoyed seeing stretches of freshly cut lawn dotted with trees. I associated that with being outdoors in a space that was well cared for. As I began…
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Photo of ripe red and unripe green tomatoes growing in a cluster on a tomato plant.

Ask a Master Gardener

March 11, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
Question: I would like to plant tomatoes in my garden this year. What tips do you have? What varieties should I try? Answer: Growing tomatoes in your own garden can be very rewarding. Our long sunny summers and warm evenings create excellent conditions for tomatoes. And while it can sometimes be too…
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Photo of a jogger on a lovely, shaded, tree-lined walkway.

Ask a Master Gardener

March 11, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
Question: I want to plant a shade tree in my front yard. What do you recommend? Answer: Trees lend to yards and neighborhoods not only an element of beauty but just as importantly a cooling offset to the reflective heat created by the cement and concrete of sidewalks and streets. But they’re more than…
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Photo of the beautiful Winters Community Library Teaching Garden with a variety of labeled plants.

How Does A Community Garden Grow?

March 11, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
 Article by Denise Cottrell and Stephanie Myers - Gardening is often thought of as a solo undertaking, working by oneself, planting, tilling, raking, deadheading flowers, yet eight years ago, UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County were instrumental in creating The Winters Community Library Teaching…
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