The Stanislaus Sprout

This weekend would have been the annual Stanislaus River Salmon Festival in Knight's Ferry. Last year, the UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardeners had a booth during this fun and creative festival.

Leaves are falling now, covering lawns and yards with carpets of brown, gold, yellow, red and orange. For some gardeners, fall means a lot of extra work in raking up and disposing of the fallen leaves.

With the Fall upon us the leaves have are turning colors and have begun to drop. Soon we will be raking, trimming trees and bushes to prepare for the winter. But what to do with all those leaves, twigs, and garden waste.

Autumn is the favorite season for many people. The days are shorter, the weather cooler, the bright blue skies of summer fade to a softer blue with clouds, and the leaves of some trees start presenting their autumn glory.

For those of us who have lived in Stanislaus County for many years, can you remember what life was like when there were no water meters, and we paid a flat fee for water?