Solano

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The fruit. photos by Michelle Davis
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A Gift of Membrillo

December 11, 2024
One of the nicest Christmas gifts I've received was a plate of homemade membrillo and (purchased) Manchego cheese.
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Crabapple harvest. Photos by Karen Metz
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Bagging It

December 10, 2024
I planted a crab apple tree many years ago, probably in the 1990s. I wanted a small tree for my backyard. I thought a crab apple tree would give me a bit of shade and beautiful blossoms in the spring. I don't know what variety it is, but the fruit is a beautiful light green.
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Discovering Plants and Flowers cover. photos by Lanie Keystone
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The Book Corner: Happy Gift-Giving

December 9, 2024
It's that time of year, when we're all trying to think of the perfect gift for the kids on our list. For many of us, books are a great solution.
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They bloomed! by briannaorg is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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It's a Blooming Gift: Paperwhites

December 6, 2024
Hmm, what holiday is coming up soon? Thanksgiving, but I have not seen any Thanksgiving decorations anywhere. Halloween is over. Oh yes, it is Christmas! We have been bombarded with Christmas specials since July.
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photos by Erin Mahaney
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Chill Out, Tulips!

December 3, 2024
Each fall, I plant a variety of bulbs to enjoy in the garden each spring and to ensure plenty of cut flowers. But I never plant tulips or other bulbs that need to be chilled in our mild climate.
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'Bartzella' Itoh peony by john_pittman is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
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Of Course, You Can Grow Peonies

November 25, 2024
For many years, I heard that peonies cannot be grown in California. The reasons: it is in the wrong part of the country, it is too warm here, and finally, it just won't work. I really did, until I went to Fioli with a horticulture class.
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Olive tree. photos by Tina Saravia
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Fall Harvest-Nov 1

November 21, 2024
For many years, fall was my time for planting, cleaning up the garden, and all the other things I couldn't do in the summer when it was too hot to work. I thought that this year would be the same, but not so.
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????Pilea peperomioides) by Neyer is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
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Pilea peperomioides-My Danish Discovery!

November 20, 2024
For the past two years I've made my Fall trip to Denmark to visit my new Danish Family! I always wanted to write about a plant that was resoundingly Danish and on this past trip I realized the houseplant I kept seeing over and over was Pilea peperomioides, commonly known as the Chinese Money plant o...
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photos by Michelle Schlegel
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Rain

November 19, 2024
The weather has cooled, thankfully. Seasons are now changing. The local birds have moved on, and sweet, flitting finches are visiting. The horse's and dog's coats are getting thicker. Yes, the winterizing has begun.
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