Under the Solano Sun

golden yellow sunflower highlighted in a field of sunflowers against the blue sky

Seasonal observations by UC Master Gardeners of Solano County

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photo by Michelle Krespi
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An Explosion of Color-Chinese Ground Orchid

July 16th, 2024
I've seen Chinese Ground Orchids in my garden before but this year they're extra glorious which inspired me to blog about them. Honesty, before I moved into my house which I bought from an Asian gardener I had never seen nor heard of a ground orchid.
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Justicia carnea flower photo by Keith Arrol
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Thriller

July 15th, 2024
Early in June, we had the opportunity to visit the backyard of a friend who had lived in Fairfield for about fifty years. He is the only living, original owner left in his neighborhood. His space is shaded by a patio cover and multiple trees.
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photos by Jennifer DeDora
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Watermelon Plant- Peperomia argyreia

July 10th, 2024
The leaves of this unique-looking house plant really do look like the rind of a ripe watermelon. The stems are also reminiscent of the fruit-they are a rich red, just like the edible flesh of a ready-to-eat watermelon. I purchased this houseplant as a gift to myself, and I'm very happy I did.
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Regular leaf.
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And Breathe-Seasonal Changes in the Garden

July 8th, 2024
June 21st is considered the longest day of the year, or the summer solstice. On this day, I rage against the dying of the light, then accept that my onions and garlic will not get bigger, shift my focus to my summer fruiting plants, and breathe.
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