Solano

I have recently noticed how amazing geraniums are. I think many people like myself have seen them, and they are pretty standard, so they probably don't appreciate all they have to offer.

It's going to be a sizzling 100F day today, so I'm outside watering the yard at 7:30 am and notice all the bees also making an early start. Here are some of the bee magnets in my backyard. Salvia microphylla' Hot Lips' is a perennial favorite.

Now is the time I dig out the Purple Goat's Beard. The ground is still wet, and the leaves are not too large yet. The Salsify plant somehow made it into my front yard garden. I originally thought it was lovely because I knew this plant was edible.

June is Pollinator Month, and Pollinator Week is June 17th 23rd. Most people can name pollinators- bees, butterflies, moths, and birds- but they don't always remember bats. Bats pollinate at night, which may be why they don't always get credit for their work. We don't usually see them in action.

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Oleander, also known as Nerium oleander, is a fascinating plant that often sparks curiosity and debate. Is it a toxic weed or a beautiful shrub? Oleander is celebrated for its stunning flowers, which come in a variety of colors such as pink, white, red, and yellow.

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There is a magnificent old cactus garden located in Pea Adobe Regional Park, just west of Vacaville, CA. I was in awe when I first discovered the garden, noticing that some of the cactuses were huge with thick wood-like trunks.

I have been finding packs of seeds everywhere: in my garage, on the back shelf of my porch, in my car side pockets, in my garden work basket, and scattered throughout the house. I hate to throw them away, maybe I can plant them next season.

If you live in California, you have seen Cistus. Cistus, or Rockrose are amazingly self-reliant in our Mediterranean climate. They are so good at growing independently, that they resist being manipulated and controlled.