Under the Solano Sun

As winter begins, it provides an opportunity to assess what is working in the garden and what isn't, including whether and how plants should be pruned, moved, or removed. Now that many plants have lost their leaves or are dormant, it is easier to assess potential edits to the garden.

For years I thought this tree at our seasonal pond, was a Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia). Finally, I decided to look more closely into its identity. A Brazilian pepper is, of course, one of the topmost invasive species, mostly where there is plenty of water, like Florida and Texas.

I have been on fire mitigation detail all summer long around my place. Those of you who know my place know that my house along with the 2 other houses on the property are surrounded by trees.

In June, 2024, I wrote a blog about a magnificent old Prickly Pear Opuntia basilaris cactus garden located in the Pea Adobe Regional Park, just west of Vacaville, CA https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=60014.

As gardeners, we know that we have failures and sadly wind up sometimes killing a plant we love. Such was the case with my Begonia rex. It lived for several years outdoors in a spot that had indirect light. At first, it thrived, but then it began to deteriorate.