Under the Solano Sun

I was moving some pots around in the backyard this spring when I glanced in one pot and was startled to find beady eyes calmly looking back at me.

My gardening style is often trial and error. This was especially true prior to taking the Master Gardener training and taking horticultural classes at Solano Community College.

Have you ever wondered how flowers got their names? I know I have. I have a book 100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names by Diana Wells. In the book, she tells of how 100 plants were named. I decided to look up two plants that I have in my yard.

California lays claim to about 48 tick species, most that don't cause humans problems. However, one species is now creating a surge of Lyme Disease along the coastal areas. A tiny sesame-seed-sized insect, the Western black-legged tick is the culprit.

I don't know how many of you take the Daily Republic, but my mom and I still do. In a Friday issue before Mothers' Day, there was an article about a newer variety of Monarda that looked like lacy flowers.