The Real Dirt

By Laura Lukes, UC Master Gardener of Butte County, September 7, 2018 You've seen these terms often: drought tolerant, and water-wise. For water conservation and sustainable gardening, Master Gardeners recommend plants that are adapted to the long, hot, dry summers of the Mediterranean climate.

By Laura Lukes, UC Master Gardener of Butte County, August 24, 2018 Sideritis. It sounds like a medical condition, but it is actually the name of a plant genus known for its medicinal properties.

By Jeanette Alosi, UC Master Gardener of Butte County, August 10, 2018 Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is an attractive green plant with small yellow flowers commonly seen growing prostrate along the side of the road. A native to Southern Europe, it's also referred to as goathead.

By Cindy Weiner, UC Master Gardener of Butte County, July 27, 2018 Many people rely on automatic irrigation systems to water their yards. It's a practical way to deliver water to plants without having to drag heavy hoses around the yard.

By Jeanne Lawrence, UC Master Gardener of Butte County, July 13, 2018 Summers are getting hotter in much of the U.S., including our local environment. One way to counteract this change in climate is by planting trees to provide more shade in the summer months.