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 rain garden with water and plants.

How to Build a Garden to Catch the Rain

September 22, 2025
 Article by Mike KlukOriginally published in the Fall 2018 Yolo Gardener NewsletterThe recent five-year drought and the assurance we will see other drought years in the future encouraged a lot of people to install water catchment barrels. This is not a bad idea but in our Mediterranean climate, it…
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Photo of a Washington hawthorne tree.

Ask a Master Gardener

September 4, 2025
This series provides answers to selected questions recently submitted to the UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County Help Desk. Question: How much water should I give my deciduous landscape trees?Answer: The answer will vary by species and age of the tree, but there are guidelines that apply to most…
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Ask a Master Gardener

September 3, 2025
This series provides answers to selected questions recently submitted to the UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County Help Desk. Question: My cantaloupe and green bean plants are being eaten down to the ground by a pest. Any suggestions on a pesticide to use?Answer: Before you can determine the best way to…
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Photo of a bouquet with a variety of chrysanthemums from the garden.

Getting Acquainted with Heirloom Chrysanthemums

August 25, 2025
 Article and photos by Pam McCabe - In September, potted or florist chrysanthemums (mums for short) start appearing in supermarkets and garden centers in hues of yellow, orange, brown, and burgundy. They are meant to be used for seasonal décor and discarded at the end of the season. They may…
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