Napa Master Gardener Column

Have you heard the term shoulder season? Sometimes it refers to in-between times at resorts when neither winter sports nor summer activities are available. Recently I've been thinking that it also applies to late winter and early spring in our vegetable gardens.

I enjoy wandering Napa's neighborhoods, admiring the front yards, and noting the changes in landscape gardening styles. There has been quite a metamorphosis over the decades. Many people have moved from lush English-style landscaping to water-wise gardening.

I recently saw an image on a Facebook page devoted to owls that generated a lot of discussion. Some people thought the creature in the image was a butterfly; others were sure it was a moth. I decided it was a moth based on information I had found online.

As you look out at your very soggy garden on these winter days, it is normal to dream of future projects. Perhaps you want to revive that old, raised bed with the low soil level. Or you would like to have an easier job of weeding under your rose bushes.

The harvest of last year's summer and fall crops has ended. I harvested my veggies, elderberries, pineapple guavas and pomegranates. I cleaned up the garden and put away my tools. It was time to let my garden rest.