Under the Solano Sun

golden yellow sunflower highlighted in a field of sunflowers against the blue sky

Seasonal observations by UC Master Gardeners of Solano County

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California Pipevine’s Marvelous Fruiting

April 2nd, 2025
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…
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Anemones for Early Spring Color

April 1st, 2025
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…
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Longing for a Cottage Garden

April 1st, 2025
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…
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Time to Start Tomatoes from Seed!

April 1st, 2025
Blog article by Nanelle Jones-Sullivan, UC Master GardenerI am trying not to grow “too many", and my list already has 11 varieties based on past success, days to maturity, size, color, foliage, and how I plan to eat them. While I start the season with more than my share of tomato sandwiches, as the season…
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Bluebonnets

March 27th, 2025
Blog article by Karen Metz, UC Master Gardener-SolanoMy parents were both born in Texas. I grew up in many different places because my father was in the military.  As both sets of grandparents lived in Texas, there were many visits back.  Once, my dad was even stationed in Texas at Corpus Christi…
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