Ongoing research

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…

Blog by Brenda Altman, UC Master Gardener-SolanoSpring showers bring spring flowers, puddles, cloudy days, and mosquitoes.  Rainwater collects everywhere.   You can find it in hollows of trees, old tires, buckets, and pans left outside.  Many of these places are ideal places for…

 In addition to attending our monthly library classes in Stanislaus County, you can also visit us at our booth.April EventsPollinator Festival, Saturday, April 5, 2025 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join the Pollinator Parade (dress up your family AND your family dog), participate in kids activities, and a…

Like clothing, plants cycle in and out of fashion.  It's interesting when a plant that was once commonly found in a plant nursery disappears to make room for the latest trend and then reappears decades later.  Sea lavender (Limonium perezii) is such a plant. First, to clarify what sea lavender…

Blog article by Heather Hamilton, UC Master Gardener-SolanoThese are both common names for the amazing Hellebore. It has 22 species of evergreen herbaceous perennials all in the Ranunculaceae family.  Originating from Europe and Asia, as well as Turkey and Syria. The genus was established by Carl…

El evento ‘Ag Day’ en California es una celebración clave para la industria agrícola del estado. La secretaria de Agricultura, Karen Ross, destacó la importancia del evento, que reunió a productores, funcionarios y la comunidad en el Capitolio. Con exhibiciones de frutas, vegetales, ganado y tecnología, la…

Blog article by Alex Russell, UC Master Gardener-Solano Last summer, I completely ran out of space to plant at home. I wasn't excited to expand. All my garden boxes and beds built up with edging had been a lot of work I didn't want to repeat. Then I thought that maybe I didn't need very much at all if…

 As the rainy season winds down and spring irrigation startup is steadily creeping toward us, it’s time to prepare your irrigation system for the busy season ahead. The following recommendations are meant to give you direction for ensuring your irrigation is in top condition when the time comes for it…