The Real Dirt

The Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) is an online database created by the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UC Davis. It is based on the field experience of landscape horticulturalists and provides information on the water needs of over 4,100 plant groups that are…

Have you ever wondered whether the weeds in your landscape are native plants or introduced species from somewhere else? With approximately 6,500 species, subspecies and varieties of native plants, California is the most biodiverse state in the nation, according to the California Department of Fish and…

If you live in an area where deer roam, now is the time to take action to protect any new trees on your property from deer damage during rutting season.

The Butte County Fire Safe Council, a local nonprofit, is excited to share the Backyard Stewardship Guide: Growing Fire-Safe Communities, an illustrated resource for homeowners in Butte County and beyond that explores the intersection of wildfire resilience, shared responsibility, and ecosystem health. A…

A new season of Master Gardener Workshops is about to start! The series begins Friday, September 11, 2026 with a session on drip irrigation and concludes in mid-November with a fun crafty workshop on creating a seasonal planter-in-a-pumpkin filled with succulents. In all, this Fall 2026 Series totals 14…