Under the Solano Sun

yellow sunflower closeup picture

Seasonal observations by UC Master Gardeners of Solano County

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"Stunted oak trees in Black Tor Copse" by Philip_Goddard is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Creating Your California Native Habitat Garden: Building Around a Black Oak

March 30, 2026
By Jennifer M Baumbach
Article by Pam MuickBlack oak, our tall, dark and handsome deciduous native oak, grows naturally in Solano and Yolo counties. Few original stands of black oak remain due to its tough strong wood that was wood was useful for construction and small tools. Acorns of black oaks are prized by many species,…
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dandelion flower gone to seed and seeds taking off from it

5 Simple Things to Do In the Garden Right Now

March 30, 2026
By Jennifer M Baumbach
Blog by Patti Brantley By March, the garden starts sending little signals that the season is changing. The days are getting longer, buds are beginning to swell, and weeds seem to appear almost overnight. Even if the weather is still a little unpredictable, most gardeners start feeling the pull to get…
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cattle dog puppy by a garden

Our New Garden Gnome

March 24, 2026
By Jennifer M Baumbach
Blog by Sharon Leos We added a puppy to our family last summer and now that she’s matured a bit, I actually have a tiny bit of time to do a few things that are not dog-centered, like write a Master Gardener blog… about puppies in the garden!It’s been nearly ten years since we have had a puppy in our…
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rufous hummingbird feeding on a red salvia

Creating a Hummingbird Haven

March 23, 2026
By Jennifer M Baumbach
Blog by Lanie KeystoneIn these lovely Solano County March days, we’re being teased by the real promise of Spring.  And, it seems that the hummingbirds, who have wintered in warmer climes, are tempted to return to our backyards.  That will be one of the true harbingers of Spring’s arrival. So,…
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a pastel colored garden journal with a rubber band around the journal

A Work in Progress

March 16, 2026
By Jennifer M Baumbach
Blog by Karen MetzAt several talks on gardening for pollinators, the speakers have stressed the importance of having blossoms across the seasons to provide sustenance for our pollinators.  Over the years, I have tried to design my landscaping so there is year-round color and interest. But for some…
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