Under the Solano Sun

Valley oak, California’s largest and most majestic native oak, grows throughout Solano and Yolo counties. In nature, Valley oaks thrive in sunny locations where they have a year-round supply of groundwater. Locally, the deciduous Valley oak is the iconic tree of Solano College and grows in most of our parks…

Have you ever thought about creating your own native habitat garden? Have you heard the term native habitat garden and wondered what exactly it is and how you could create one? If so, you’ve come to the right place!A native habitat garden is a landscaped area that utilizes native plants to create a…

Plant SuggestionsMany years ago, I read a wonderful book by Sydney Eddison, Gardening for a Lifetime: How to Garden Wiser as You Grow Older. Her main points were summed up on the book’s cover: “Use lower-maintenance plants, Prioritize garden tasks, Practice realistic lawn care, Accept imperfections, Learn…

Last weekend, I was working in my garden when something moved beneath a nearby shrub. Out came a California Kingsnake. You don't hear them coming, but with their striking bands of black and white wrapped around their bodies, they're hard to miss. I stopped for a moment, admired it, and smiled.Why? Because I…

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects many varieties of plants across California. You’ve likely seen it on roses, crape myrtle, ornamental plants, and certain vegetables such as squash. The symptoms will vary depending on the plant species, but in general, a common symptom is white or gray…