Did you know that planting more diverse and flowering plants in your garden can help support your vegetable garden or orchard? Learn how to choose plants to make your garden a haven for the pollinators. Well cover the types of plants that attract butterflies, bees, bats and hummingbirds.
Don't miss the Placerville Plant Sale - Perennial plants April 26 Trees, shrubs, grasses, succulents, native and perennial plants. Sale at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden. Parking $2
What exactly are pollinators and why do we need them? You may often hear that pollinators are important and we should support and protect them. Pollinators play a crucial role in flowering plant reproduction and in the production of most fruits and vegetables. Most plants require assistance to…
Many of us are aware that the Monarch butterfly population has been precipitously declining over the last several decades. The Western Monarchs (those west of the Rocky Mountains that migrate to overwinter on the California coast) have seen a steep drop in numbers. According to the Xerces Society, the…
Other than the decorative bowl on my deck railing that I refill each morning with water for the birds, I do not have a single ''water feature'' on my property — yet. Until recently, the idea of installing a babbling fountain or digging and maintaining a pond in my hot, dry, Sierra Foothills yard seemed…
A true treasure of the Americas, hummingbirds are a diverse family of more than 340 species, only 17 of which are found north of Mexico. They are also keystone mutualists, nectar feeders that have coevolved with the indigenous plants they pollinate. For example, in the woody grasslands of Patagonia at the…
I’ve always loved that time in early spring when our hillsides are painted with great drifts of blue, lavender, and white Ceanothus, otherwise known as California Lilac. After many years of admiring them from afar, I plan to add some to my garden. In the meantime, here’s a bit of what I’ve learned so far…
Geraniums and Condiments: American ClassicsBy UCCE Master Gardener Julie Silva Mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup have prestigious places in your refrigerator. They are basic, well loved, long lasting, and delicious. When you think about those three condiments, your mind travels to the last sandwich or…
Tips and tricks for dealing with the wide variety of lavender There is a plant that could be in your garden right now that has endured the test of time -- the lovely Lavender, Lavandula spp. It dates back 2500 years to the time of the ancient Egyptians and has been celebrated for its healing and…
Pick Me! Celosia and MarigoldsBy UCCE Master Gardener Julie Silva You have seen it while standing at the nursery in spring, staring at flats and flats of color. What you should really be staring at are the two grey-haired ladies with over…
