Gardening

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Oak titmouse sitting on a bird feeder outside a home.
UC Master Gardeners of Tuolumne County: Article

Smart Bird Feeders in Tuolumne County

May 18, 2026
A digital (or “smart”) birdfeeder? You’ve got to be kidding. Why would I need such a thing? If you are fascinated by the bird visitors to your garden, this might be the gadget for you. Digital birdfeeders give you the ability to “watch” feathered friends in action. These devices take photos and videos…
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UC Master Gardeners of Placer County: Article

Demonstration Garden Showcases Growing Manzanita in Ceramic Pots

May 18, 2026
Article and photo by Laurie Meyerpeter, UC Master Gardener of Placer County Can California native plants be successfully grown in containers? The answer is a resounding YES! One area of the UC Master Gardeners of Placer County Demonstration Garden has different California native plants…
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UC Master Gardeners of Placer County: Article

Nature Journaling: Through the Eyes of Children

May 18, 2026
Article and photos by Tree Justensen, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyWhat is nature journaling? Nature journaling has been described as a “mindful practice that invites us to record what we see, feel, and wonder about the natural world.[1]” John Muir Laws, popular nature-journaling guru, defines…
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Emerald Ash Borer adults emerging from a tree.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week is May 17-23, 2026

May 15, 2026
By Cherie Shook
Every year, Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week reminds us that one small insect can have a massive impact on our communities. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive metallic green beetle that has caused the death of millions of ash trees across North America, killing nearly 100% of unprotected street trees…
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UC Master Gardeners of San Diego County: Article

Matilija Poppy: California’s Spectacular Fire-Following Flower

May 13, 2026
By Kathy McKee
 (This article originally appeared in the May / June edition of California Gardens Magazine)Few plants capture the drama of the California landscape quite like the Matilija poppy. Striking in its display of large “fried egg” blossoms and deeply tied to fire, drought, and cultural memory, this native…
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A long, slender, light brown insect that resembles a stick walking on a tree branch.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Stick Insects Are Cool but Can Damage Your Plants

May 5, 2026
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
Have you ever seen a walking stick insect, maybe in a museum display or at an entomology demonstration? They look just like twigs and are fascinating creatures. This makes them popular as pets in classrooms and homes. However, if pet walking sticks are accidentally or purposefully let out of their cages,…
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Bee's Bliss salvia is a good alternative to invasive ground covers like vinca major. Brent McGhie
The Real Dirt: Article

Native vs. Non-Native Plants

May 4, 2026
In California, besieged by the twin threats of drought and wildfire, the choice to grow native versus non-native plants is attracting more attention than ever before. What exactly are the merits of native compared to non-native plants, and how do gardeners make the best choice about what to grow in a home…
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Tomato plant against a cloudy sky
UC Master Gardeners of Tuolumne County: Article

Heat Problems with Vegetables in Tuolumne County

May 2, 2026
As we get ready for this year’s vegetable garden planting season, I begin thinking about summer heat. Pretty much every year in late July, my family slides into a tomato depression thinking that all those beautiful green tomatoes will never get ripe. It depresses me to even think about it. However, this year…
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