- Author: Maria Murrietta
- Contributor: Dr. David Headrick
We're now seeing the aftermath of this long rainy season. The heavier than normal rain has given us velvety green hills carpeted with an abundance of wildflowers. But we cannot overlook the other less pretty things that benefit from a wet winter – lots of weeds and insects.
For now, we'll focus on insects. They're already showing up in a news-worthy fashion. KSBY did a feature story on whiteflies and spoke with UC Master Gardener Cathryn Howarth.
- Author: Sara Arana
- Editor: Noni Todd
Canning Workshop
By Sarah Arana UCCE Master Food Preserver
My grandmother used to can everything but I never paid attention. Now I want to can some of the produce from my garden. Where do I start? Jane S., Paso Robles, CA
Gardens overflowing with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers can seem overwhelming! Backyard orchards brimming with juicy peaches, fragrant citrus, and deep purple plums...
- Author: Leonard Cicerello
- Editor: Noni Todd
California Monkey Flower
By Leonard Cicerello UCCE Master Gardener
California Monkey Flowers
Mimulus aurantiacus (Diplacus aurantiacus)
Growing areas: California Sunset zones 7-9 and 14-24
Size of plant: Up to 4 ½ feet tall and wide
Bloom description and season: Funnel-shaped, two-lipped flowers said to resemble a...
- Author: Norman Smith
- Editor: Noni Todd
Painted Lady Butterflies
By Norman Smith UCCE Master Gardener
Look up in the sky - it's a bird, it's a plane, no it's millions of Painted Lady Butterflies. The abundant rains this year are going to have an effect on a lot of different insects. One of those is the Painted Lady Butterfly. If you have had a chance to look up in the sky or at the environment around you, you may have noticed a lot of butterflies flying through the area or visiting flowers...
- Author: Polly Nelson
- Editor: Noni Todd
Peruvian Lily
By Polly Nelson UCCE Master Gardener
Peruvian Lily
Alstroemeria
Liliaceae
Planting Zone: Sunset 5-9, 14-24, H1; USDA 7-11
Size: Two varieties, one with leafy stems 2-3 feet, another (dwarf) with mounding, shorter leafy stems up to one foot.
Bloom season:...
