Under the Solano Sun

Blog by Melinda NestlerodeEveryone has a horror story to tell about wasps. When I mentioned that I was writing a blog about wasps to a friend, he launched into a tale about accidentally digging up a nest and then running for dear life. We all have stories of ruined picnics, encounters with wasps nests, and…

Blog by Paula PashbyWhen folks learn that I am a Master Gardener, I am often asked a question or two about garden issues. The first one is frequently a “what is it” question, and the second is generally about a “friend or foe” concern about insects.  I usually respond with a “let me get back to you…

Blog by Cindy YeeMany years ago, my father planted a purple fig (Ficus carica) cutting from a neighbor in his backyard.  He did not know the name - my guess is Black Madeira, but I'm not a fig expert.  Thirty years later, the tree is still doing great. Our daughter and son-in-law live there now,…

 How many of us have found drowned bees in our pools? I have found them for years and want to share a way to, hopefully, prevent this from happening. I have several large plant saucers around the yard that I keep full, one of which is by the pool. I also have saucers near plants frequented by bees, like…

Blog by Karen MetzEach year, I try to grow at least one new plant. I had been wanting to try Tithonia rotundifolia, Mexican Sunflower, for quite a while.  I have been impressed with the many beautiful insect and pollinator photographs on Kathy Keatley Garvey’s Bug Squad blog.  Many of the shots…