Under the Solano Sun

The nice thing about gardening like baseball is there is always a new season right around the corner. The cry Wait til Next Year can be heard everywhere. And just like baseball, you can always improve your team.

Six years ago, I added a cute little aloe to my succulent collection. I was drawn to its soft to the touch greyish green leaves with vertical stripes and smooth edges without spines or thorns. At the point of purchase, I didn't know this aloe was a slow grower that would eventually dwarf its pot.

EDITORS NOTE, I was on leave when this blog was created-it should have run sooner. However, I think it will help for future reference. I just brought home my first Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrina) of the season, and with any luck, they'll add holiday cheer to my home thru the New Year.

Photo by D.Bellamy (A front door rock garden) This blog will discuss why so many people use rock art to enhance the appearance of their gardens, and specifically, stacking rocks. If you have some property with lots of rocks, you may be more likely to remove rocks to make room for planting.

Years ago, long before I became a UCCE Master Gardener, I planted an herbal tea garden in a west-facing sunny area of my backyard. I haven't used most of the herbs so much for the purpose of making tisanes or cups of tea, but I have really enjoyed the scent while working in that area.