Under the Solano Sun

Succulents have a reputation for being tough plants that need little care or water. Even so, it was a delightful surprise recently to find some long-abandoned cuttings blooming. Earlier this spring, I repotted a plant that had grown from a cutting given to me by my mother.

This is the time of the year when all the fruits of our gardening labors come blossoming into wonderful produce. At first, we're so elated to see the first few zucchinis, peaches, or tomatoes appear and feel like such successful gardeners.

Planting a tree seems like a no-brainer. Purchase a tree from your big box store or local nursery. Find out how much sun and water it needs and find a good place to plant it. Next, dig an appropriate size hole, ease the tree out of the pot, and plop it in the hole. Add water and watch it grow.

I was aghast when my neighbor walked up to me and asked, "how do I get rid of the bumble bees around my house? They might be carpenter bees and I have to get rid of them." So, it got me thinking, maybe I should do a blog about carpenter bees and bumblebees.

My husband has many colleagues with gardens who share their surplus bounty. He has brought home many bags of zucchini, tomatoes, and oranges none of which go to waste. One day, my husband brought home a jar of jalapeo jelly that one coworker made as a special treat.