The Stanislaus Sprout

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…

The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is an iconic symbol of the holiday season; its vibrant, colorful leaves—known as bracts—bring cheer to homes and businesses around the world. While the plant is synonymous with modern winter holidays, its story is a rich tapestry that begins centuries ago in the…

I love winter gardens. While most gardeners think of spring as the season for flowers, November in Stanislaus County offers an excellent climate for vibrant and colorful blooms. Cooling weather and shorter days are ideal for a variety of annuals, perennials, and shrubs that provide much-needed color to the…

 I love to walk among the colorful layers of leaves in foothill forests during the autumn months. Have you ever wondered what might be under those leaves? Insects! Some insects like the Monarch butterfly travel vast distances to their overwintering sites. However, the vast majority don’t go very far,…

 Fall gardening has always been a passion of mine. So many wonderful veggies and herbs love the cooler weather. By far my favorite things to plant in the fall are garlic and onions.Preparing your garden for your garlic and onions is relatively easy. Pick a nice level, sunny location in your garden or…