The Savvy Sage

 Article and photos by Kate BearThis is the third of three articles on transitions of my yard. This article will focus on creating a more complex landscape to attract beneficial insects, pollinators, lizards, and birds. Goals include selecting low water use plants, increasing the variety of plants and…

 This series provides answers to selected questions recently submitted to the UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County Help Desk.Question: I have raspberry plants that are several years old, and are not doing as well as they did in the past. They are watered daily with drip irrigation and get about 6 hours a…

 This series provides answers to selected questions recently submitted to the UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County Help Desk.Question: I have several olive trees in my yard. How do I best care for them?Answer: The Sacramento Valley has an ideal climate for growing olive trees, with its hot, dry summers…

 This series provides answers to selected questions recently submitted to the UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County Help Desk.Question: I would like advice on the most pollinator-safe herbicides and insecticides to use and how best to use them.Answer: Although most insects are useful for something,…

Article and photos by Kate Bear - This article is the second of three articles addressing different aspects of transitioning my yard to one that better meets my desires. The work is ongoing as ideas occur to me. The following is a discussion about rejuvenating a planter, a hedge, and a trumpet…