Under the Solano Sun

Article by Vincent HughesDid you know that you could grow one of the world’s most valuable spices right here in Solano County? The spice I’m talking about is none other than vanilla, or Vanilla planifolia, and yes, you can grow it for yourself right here at home. V. planifolia is a vining orchid native…

Blog article by Jenni DodiniMy first encounter with Lewisia was at the Botanic Gardens in Reykjavik, Iceland. I was mesmerized, but alas, Fairfield doesn't have the same climate as Iceland. Honestly, though, at the time we were in Iceland in June, it was much the same as a nice day in San Francisco. …

Blog by Karen MetzI have had a Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta, for many years. Initially, I had it indoors as a houseplant. It survived , but it didn’t thrive. So, I eventually moved it outdoors and planted it in the ground.It was much happier there and grew for years. But as it aged, the leaves grew longer and…

Blog by Nancy ForrestI had the pleasure of being a host for the Vacaville Museum Garden Tour in May. I was lucky to be at a home that was built by the Master Builder George Sharp for his daughter in 1918. The current owner moved into the house after his mother passed in 2013. As his mother was an avid…

Blog by Tina Saravia A few years ago I purchased a Bacon Avocado (Persea americana) in a 5-gallon can. As its botanical name indicates, it is native to the Americas (Mexico, Central America, and South America) and belongs to the Laurel family. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 66 feet or 20…