The Stanislaus Sprout

The sun may shine here in the Central Valley most of the winter, but the temperatures are still cold. While we can live comfortably in our cozy, warm homes, our feathered friends need some help keeping warm and fed during the winter. Birds need three things to help them survive during the colder month:…

We are now in the midst of winter with its often foggy and dreary days. Many trees are bare, most insects are dormant, and numerous bird species have flown south, so our gardens can seem gray, bare, and quiet.  However, some birds spend winters here, so there are still some bright spots.Here are a few…

California’s climate is a citrus grower’s dream, but beyond the familiar oranges, lemons, and limes lies a fascinating world of lesser-known citrus. Many of these fruits have deep cultural roots, unique flavors, and surprising uses — from culinary delights to ornamental beauty. Here are some of the most…

 During my time as the Horticulture Advisor for UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) in Stanislaus County (1978-2011), I frequently received questions from gardeners asking what to do about neglected and/or overgrown deciduous (trees that lose their leaves each year) fruit trees such as peach, plum, and…

In October I attended “Connecting with Nature,” a free event held by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) and sponsored by the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County. at We viewed an inspirational video by Doug Tallamy, a professor in the Department of Entomology and…