Under the Solano Sun

yellow sunflower closeup picture

Seasonal observations by UC Master Gardeners of Solano County

California Buckeye (Aesculus californica) Companion Plants

May 29, 2026
By Pamela Muick
California Buckeye is one of our most drought-tolerant species and is tolerant of a wide range of soils. It often grows with oaks in the foothill regions of the state surrounding the Central Valley.In the words of John Thomas Howell, author of Marin Flora, the California Buckeye is a sight to behold in…
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Drip Irrigation 101: How to Save Water and Grow Healthier Plants

May 29, 2026
By Melinda Nestlerode
If you had the opportunity to garden more sustainably, conserve our environment, and improve the viability of your plants by making one relatively easy and inexpensive change, would you do it?  Many people use traditional spray-head irrigation, or even hand-water outdoor plants, but there are a myriad…
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Mulch Matters: Your Garden's Best Defense Against Summer Heat

May 27, 2026
By Jan Stanley
In the hierarchy of garden miracles, mulch ranks somewhere between rain and someone else pulling your weeds for you.By applying mulch in your garden, you can enhance the health and appearance of your plants, reduce water use, and even improve the quality of your soil. It prevents the germination and growth…
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coyote brush with flowers

Coyote Brush-My New Favorite Native Volunteer

May 20, 2026
By Jennifer M Baumbach
Blog by Jennifer DeDora One day, I was strolling my front walk, and I noticed a plant I hadn’t planted…now how and when did that get there?! I left it where it was and watched it for a few weeks, and realized it was doing wonderfully and actually thriving amongst my purposefully planted plants. At that…
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