Under the Solano Sun

yellow sunflower closeup picture

Seasonal observations by UC Master Gardeners of Solano County

Western Sycamore Platanus racemosa Companion Plants

July 28, 2026
By Pamela Muick
Western sycamore, Platanus racemosa, is a statuesque deciduous tree found in riparian areas and dry washes. It is almost always found in wetland-riparian settings such as stream sides and moist canyon bottoms and its range extends from the northern Central Valley to coastal San Diego County and Baja…
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The Browns Valley Oak Society

July 24, 2026
By Vincent Hughes
Anyone who has spent a summer in Vacaville can tell you just how hot and dry it can be. Between the elevated temperatures during the day, and the steady winds which can come both day or night, it can be hard to keep your plants healthy and happy at their most sensitive stages. But that is only speaking of…
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A Gem in Our Neighborhood: The Profile of a Rosarian

July 23, 2026
By Spring Tseng
Many people in our neighborhood inspired us by making this world a better place. Iona Stuart is one of them. Iona moved to the Bay Area with her husband Rudy from New York in 1989. The following year, she joined the North Bay Rose Society (NBRS) and became a sustaining member. She was the president for…
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Accessible, Adaptive Gardening Part 2: Tools

July 23, 2026
By Michelle Davis
 Take a moment to think about the movements needed to garden. Bending, kneeling, gripping, standing, lifting, hauling - these are just a few that come to mind. What parts of your body start to hurt during or after gardening? Is there anything that can be done to erase any discomfort before it even…
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