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UC Marin Master Gardener Articles in the Marin Independent Journal

UC Marin Master Gardeners have contributed to the Marin Independent Journal's "Ask a Master Gardener" column every Saturday since 1999. We have a team of dedicated writers who have covered nearly every aspect of gardening for Marin County over the years. View articles through March of 2025 below.

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Bumblebee collecting nectar and pollen on a Red-Flowered Buckwheat plant

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Native bees and native plants

October 19, 2024

“When California was wild, it was one sweet bee garden throughout its entire length, north and south and all the way across from the snowy Sierra to the ocean.” John Muir, “The Bee Pastures,” The Mountains of California (1894).Native bees produced those gardens; today, we have 1,600 species of native…

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yellow flowering mustard planted in between rows as a cover crop

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

The miracle of cover crops

October 12, 2024

For an Earth-Friendly Garden, keep a succession of plants in the soil by planting cover crops. These are plants grown to improve the soil rather than for harvest. I prepare the soil for the next year when my tomatoes are finished for the season. I reuse my raised beds over again since there is no extra…

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Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' is a stunning tree with bright yellow leaves in spring that turn to chartreuse in summer

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Yellow foliage only where you want it!

October 5, 2024

Want a splash of color in your rich green garden bed? There are trees, shrubs, and perennials that can add a sparkle throughout the growing season, especially plants with brilliant sun-yellow foliage. New plant varieties are constantly being introduced that seem to defy nature with colors from soft…

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UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Perhaps it’s time to plant an oak tree

January 28, 2022

“Oaks are key to the character and legacy of California — its visual beauty, the vigor of its rivers and streams, the clarity of its air, the richness of its wildlife.” — “Secrets of the Oak Woodlands” by Kate MarianchildStress is in ample supply these days, whether it’s aggravation from the news or…

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