The Savvy Sage

two purple sage flowers with a green background of foliage

A Master Gardeners blog to: Educate, Inspire, and Ignite Knowledge.

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Purple petunias growing in a flower bed.

Re-Evaluating Petunias in the Landscape

July 24, 2026
By Sue Fitz
  Petunias have been a staple in nurseries for years, and when I was a young gardener, seduced by their bright, clear colors, I tried them several times and gave up. They were too much work, and the reward was too small. They were fragile and hard to keep alive, needed constant deadheading to keep…
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Inline drip irrigation peeking out from under a layer of straw mulch.

Ask a Master Gardener

July 15, 2026
Question: How do I save water in my vegetable garden this year? Answer: Growing a vegetable garden with less water is possible by combining efficient watering practices, soil improvement and protection, and careful selection of the crops you grow...
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Bright green leaves of a large potato planted in a half wine barrel.

Ask a Master Gardener

July 15, 2026
Question: How do you grow potatoes? Answer: Potatoes are nutritious, versatile, and easy to grow. They can be planted directly into the ground, or grown in containers such as pots, bags, and even “straw towers.” ...
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Purple iris flowers rising above spear shaped green leaves.

July Garden Tips

June 24, 2026
By Peg Smith
 July is a month to sit back with iced tea or lemonade and enjoy the results of your spring labors. It is also a time to make sure that garden tasks are completed early, before the heat of the day. A gardener’s body is their best tool. The sensible approach (I must confess to not always being sensible)…
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