Under the Solano Sun

Blog by CIndy Yee, UC Master GardenerGreetings from a Road Scholar tour called “Tales of Iberia: Portugal and Spain”.  In Cordoba, our local guide Lucia took us to visit a few local home patio gardens, which are basically enclosed courtyards or atriums.  Annually, every May, Cordoba holds a…

Blog by Brenda Altman, UC Master Gardener  Fragrant freesias are a sure sign of spring. Freesias are a flowering bulb plant native to South Africa. The bulbs are fuzzy and teardrop-shaped and 1” high.  The plants grow about a foot high and develop fingerlike flower stems which open and produce…

Blog by Patricia Matteson, UC Master GardenerAs observed in a Suisun City garden, the fruits and seed dispersal of the California pipevine, or “California Dutchman’s pipe,” Aristolochia californica Torr., turned out to be remarkable and beautiful. There are over 500 species of pipevine in the family…

Blog by Erin Mahaney, UC Master Gardener Sometimes, the simple pleasure of an early-blooming blossom can greatly minimize the doldrums of a chilly, grey winter day. Anemones are one of my favorite easy-to-grow flowers, brightening my yard and filling my vases in the early spring. There are dozens…

Blog by Heather Hamilton, UC Master GardenerI am always on the lookout to add something new and beautiful to my garden. A few years ago, I stumbled upon a wildflower called Corn Cockle, which is the common name for Agrostemma githago. A beautiful purple, pink or white herbaceous annual that would be…