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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chicken running on grass next to a fence
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Wilson Flock of Cluckers-Keeping Chickens Cool During Summer Heat

June 23, 2025
Blog by Peter WilsonJuly of 2013, at a family reunion on Kawaii Island of Hawaii, I fell in love with the Momma Hen and her 13-baby chicks. It didn’t take long for me to decide to get chicks after returning home to Vallejo. It was early August; I ordered a few chicks to the Wilson Villa and Garden. That…
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white trumpet flower
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Moon Meadow

June 19, 2025
Blog by Michelle DavisMoonscape, moon flower, moon gate, moon garden. All of these I have seen, but moon meadow?  New to me! A moon meadow is a green space filled with plants that receive moonlight exposure and attract night-time pollinators like moths, bats and nocturnal bees. (Did you know there are…
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two people raking the soil in garden
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Gardening for Mental Health

June 17, 2025
Blog by Melinda NestlerodeWe are living in challenging times. Our nation is polarized politically, civil discourse appears to be a quaint memory, the Middle East is embroiled in multiple catastrophic battles, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, anonymous people on the Internet spew unverified vitriol,…
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lavender standards and dark purple falls of an iris
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Irrestible Iris

June 16, 2025
Blog article by Cindy YeeLast fall I noticed a well-known iris grower’s online ad, and was captivated by the catalog’s gorgeous flowers.  Bearded iris grows from rhizomes, which are tuberous roots that look like bulbs.  They can be pricey depending on several factors, including whether or not it's…
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