Under the Solano Sun

Article and photos by Patricia MattesonAt Christmas 2023, my cousin Jenifer surprised me with a gift of 18 corms of saffron crocus, Crocus sativus L. (family Iridaceae). Her gift was loaded with emotional resonance. The recipe for bright yellow saffron cake, generously dotted with raisins and other dried…

Photos and Article by Melinda NestlerodeSummer may be winding down, but my vegetable garden is still in full production. The sugar pie pumpkins continue to sprout huge blossoms and set fruit, the peppers are displaying brilliant colors, and the tomatoes are out of control. As healthy as the garden looks…

Blog by Michelle KrespiI was scrolling Etsy looking for something entirely different when I came across a sale on Sambac Arabian Jasmine or Jasminium sambac, which was advertised as both fragrant AND low- maintenance. Always a sucker for fragrant plants I was intrigued. It was heralded as “one of the…

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…