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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Longing for a Cottage Garden

April 1, 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 1, 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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What to Do?

March 31, 2025
Blog article by Ann Short, UC Master GardenerWell, I’ve never been a blogger, but from time to time I feel like there’s something I just need to put out there. Spring is hard on the heels of our wet and soggy winter, and while I was out puttering about in my garden yesterday morning, I was super concerned to…
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Bluebonnets

March 27, 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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Succulent Shell Planter

March 26, 2025
Blog article by Cindy Yee, UC Master Gardener-SolanoI have been searching for a “perfect” giant horse conch in SW Florida for a while now. The horse conch is Florida's state shell and can reach 24 inches long.  I think it's right up there in desirability with the coveted junonia, although many might…
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