Butte

by Rainer Hoenicke Master Gardeners of Napa County had a cauliflower seedling give-away last September.

People new to gardening often ask what tools are needed to maintain their gardens. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the scope and variety of garden tools available in stores, online, and in garden catalogues.

Meet Henry, "an unexpected guest." Make that "an early, unexpected guest who was given a warm welcome and an even warmer send-off." Henry is a Marin County winter monarch butterfly.

Gardeners are always looking for ways to add more plants, especially in a small garden. One way to do this (and in hot California add some much-needed shaded seating) is with a pergola.

The public tends to blame habitat loss and pesticides for the declining butterfly populations in the Western United States. But climate change, aka global warming, may be an equal, if not more, of a factor.

Nasturtium By Alissa Bright UCCE Master Gardener Nasturtiums Tropaeolum majus /Tropaeolum minor Planting Area: USDA zones 2-11 Size: Parasol leaves grow to 6 in diameter, while majus vines can sprawl up to 20'. Minor stems are more compact and bushy; ideal for pots.

Banksea Rose By Polly Nelson UCCE Master Gardener Common Name: Lady Banks Rose Scientific Name: Rosa Banksiae Planting Area: Sunset zones 4-24 Size: 20 feet or more if allowed Bloom Season: Early to late spring Exposure: Full sun or light shade Pruning needs: Depends on placement, at least annually...

Making Broth By Carol Michael, UCCE Master Food Preserver It is cold and gloomy outside. We need something to brighten our days. What do you recommend? Nora S., Paso Robles A favorite activity is preparing chicken bone broth. Make a stockpot or slow cooker full.

Spring is just around the corner, and it's time to make sure your garden tools are in peak condition. Good maintenance not only prolongs the life and usefulness of garden tools; it also improves their performance in the garden. In addition, clean tools help prevent the spread of disease.

The Weed Science Society of America honored Whitney Brim-DeForest, UCCE rice and wild rice advisor for Sutter, Yuba, Placer and Sacramento counties, with its award for Outstanding Paper: Weed Science. The award-winning paper, Phenotypic Diversity of Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa f.