Ongoing research

I walked into my yard one night a few years ago and came face to face with a bold and defiant Sceloporus occidentalis, or Western Fence Lizard. I couldn't have been more delighted.I remember as a child chasing lizards when I lived with my grandparents in the mountains above Oroville. Once, I caught one. I…

The following tables are estimates of water use for Bishop, CA based on CIMIS weather data, Station #35. The first table shows estimated plant use for each month. The second shows how much you can expect to irrigate. Both show values in inches. Obviously you will need to apply water more than once a…

Blog by Brenda AltmanClimate change is real.  Every year, my pluot (plum apricot) tree starts flowering earlier and earlier. Here it is flowering in the second week of February!Luther Burbank pioneered the development of hybrid plums and apricots. In the late 19th century, crossing an apricot and a plum…

Cynthia Kintigh, marketing director, will retire on March 4, 2026, after 27 years of advancing UC ANR’s mission.

Herbs thrive in the San Joaquin Valley because of our climate. March is a great time for spring planting.TasksCheck drip systems, sprinklers and other irrigation systems for repair needs.Flush irrigation lines and inspect sprinkler valves for proper operation.Protect transplants from cutworms by putting a…

Happy March! It’s time for This Month In The Garden, our monthly tips and tricks show we play on the first Thursday of every month here on In The Garden with UC Master Gardeners of Orange County California.The key emphasis at this time of year are three words: Plant, Feed, and Control. But don’t jump the gun…