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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Chia Bart - Stephanie
Under the Solano Sun: Article

Ch-Ch-Ch Chia!

October 3, 2023
Remember the spirited commercial, There's a new pet - Ch Ch ChChia! TheChia Pet, the pottery that grows? This was one of the catchy jingles in the 1980s for something called theChia Pet: which are terracotta figurines that growchia sprouts to resemble an animal's hair or fur.
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day of triffids
Under the Solano Sun: Article

From Green to Gory

September 29, 2023
Over the years, filmmakers have ingeniously incorporated plants into the narratives of all kinds of movies including horror and thriller movies, creating a unique and chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.
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The pumpkin vines nearly meet! photos by Erin Mahaney
Under the Solano Sun: Article

Pumpkin Takeover

September 28, 2023
The pitiful whimpering caught my attention. That's when I realized, not for the first time, that I might have a plant problem, specifically, a pumpkin problem. But first, an explanation . . . . Each year, I have the best intentions to edit my garden and not overplant. And each year, I overplant.
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Echter Lavendel (Lavandula angustifolia) by blumenbiene is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Under the Solano Sun: Article

Botanical Names for Dummies

September 26, 2023
I love when I meet a fellow gardener and they can name every plant they see with its formal botanical name! I'm always so impressed and sometimes intimidated. I have often found myself making up names when someone asked me. "What is the name of this plant?".
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photo by Kathy Low
Under the Solano Sun: Article

Blog Survey

September 25, 2023
I've been blogging off and on for the past ten years. During that time I've often wondered about our readers and their interests. So I decided it was time to stop wondering and to start doing something about it. So please click the link below and take a 5 question survey.
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