The Savvy Sage

As I have learnt more about the interweaving of all the aspects of gardening soil, nutrition, seasonal timing, insects (beneficial and not), right plant, right place I have become fascinated by our native bees.

As the tender of a four-seasons kitchen garden, I find winter a surprisingly busy time. I do not plant in December or January, because it is too cold and wet for seeds to germinate.

Sustainability focuses on supporting biodiversity and protecting the bees, birds, butterflies, caterpillars, and other wildlife in our gardens and back yards. By understanding water flow dynamics, we can learn how actions in our gardens and backyards affect other important outdoor spaces.

Jim Fowler has been an invaluable part of the UC Master Gardener Program for over 20 years and has achieved Platinum Badge status and beyond, earning a sapphire pin. He amassed over five thousand volunteer hours during this time.

Poinsettias are a decorative winter staple thanks to their large vibrant foliage- AKA leaves. That's right, those big, colorful, floral-like clusters are actually specialized leaves called bracts' that change from green to vibrant, festive colors thanks to the shorter winter days.