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

Article

California Pipevine’s Marvelous Fruiting

April 2nd, 2025
Blog by Patricia Matteson, UC Master GardenerAs observed in a Suisun City garden, the fruits and seed dispersal of the California pipevine, or “California Dutchman’s pipe,” Aristolochia californica Torr., turned out to be remarkable and beautiful. There are over 500 species of pipevine in the family…
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Time to Start Tomatoes from Seed!

April 1st, 2025
Blog article by Nanelle Jones-Sullivan, UC Master GardenerI am trying not to grow “too many", and my list already has 11 varieties based on past success, days to maturity, size, color, foliage, and how I plan to eat them. While I start the season with more than my share of tomato sandwiches, as the season…
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Bluebonnets

March 27th, 2025
Blog article by Karen Metz, UC Master Gardener-SolanoMy parents were both born in Texas. I grew up in many different places because my father was in the military.  As both sets of grandparents lived in Texas, there were many visits back.  Once, my dad was even stationed in Texas at Corpus Christi…
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Succulent Shell Planter

March 26th, 2025
Blog article by Cindy Yee, UC Master Gardener-SolanoI have been searching for a “perfect” giant horse conch in SW Florida for a while now. The horse conch is Florida's state shell and can reach 24 inches long.  I think it's right up there in desirability with the coveted junonia, although many might…
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Rosemary Rescue

March 26th, 2025
Blog article by Karen Metz, UC Master Gardener-SolanoMany, many years ago, I purchased a small rosemary Christmas Tree.  It was adorable and lived on my porch, getting decorated every year.  Gradually, it outgrew its pot and then the porch.  We moved it to the sideyard and planted it in a half…
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