Urban trees provide shade, improve air quality and help moderate temperatures in California’s cities. Yet as climate change brings hotter weather and longer periods of drought, many commonly planted tree species may struggle. In a recent lecture, Dr. Igor Lacan, interim county director and Bay Area environmental horticulture and urban forestry advisor with UC Cooperative […]
St. Helena
Posted inFood & Wine
A love note to Napa County’s last A&W Burger joint
There was always something special about a stop at A&W. Even when I knew I probably shouldn’t enjoy that frothy, nostalgic indulgence, a root beer float was always in the order. Last week I made my final trip to St. Helena to visit the local A&W, the last in Napa County before it closed on […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Lilacs reward gardeners with scent, color — and a short-lived show
The lilac is a classic English cottage-garden plant, yet it is native to southeastern Europe. That means it can be a successful garden plant in sunny, dry California, although it appreciates rain and cool summers. I have a couple of lilacs in my yard, and they emerge at the same time each year in March, […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Proper planning is key to spring garden planting success
In my opinion, nothing is more enticing than walking through a garden center full of vibrantly colored spring flowers just calling my name. I admit to being the person who, in the not-too-distant past, would bring home several lovely specimens, only to place them in the part of the garden where plants go to die. […]
Posted inNews
Cottrell, Gallagher unopposed; Napa County’s all-female board likely to continue
Napa County’s first all-female Board of Supervisors is expected to remain the same. The two supervisors up for re-election this year, Anne Cottrell and Joelle Gallagher, are running unopposed in the June 2 contest. No other candidates filed election papers by 5 p.m. Friday, according to Napa County Registrar of Voters John Tuteur. Barring a […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Tips for tomato garden success
For many people, spring begins with the UC Master Gardeners of Napa County tomato sale, which will be held on Saturday, April 11, this year. Just as the tomato sale signals spring, a ripe tomato is practically the trademark of summer. Many of us can’t wait to plunk our plants in the ground so we […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Cool-season vegetables thrive as gardeners eye spring
What gardener’s thoughts do not turn to the vegetable patch when the sun comes out after a long spell of rainy days? Most of us want to jump right into the beloved tomatoes and beans of summer, even though their planting time is still a couple of months away. The savvy gardener knows that March […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Documentary shines light on Chinese immigrants who helped build Napa Valley
Chinese immigrants arrived in the Napa Valley in the mid-1800s to work in the vineyards, tanneries, hop fields and nearby mines. They also worked as domestic servants and laborers. Yet their contribution to the development of the Napa Valley has been largely forgotten. The Chinatowns they built in Calistoga, Napa and St. Helena have disappeared. […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Best time to plant fruit trees in Napa County? It depends
Master Gardeners are often asked about the best time to plant a fruit tree. And I think we usually all give the same answer: It depends. I know that’s not a satisfying reply. It can feel vague, even evasive. But without knowing all the details, “it depends” might be the most honest response we can […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Hardy spider plants flourish indoors and outdoors
Many of us have the variegated spider plant as a houseplant. It is fascinating how this plant produces new plants and small white flowers at the end of a long stem. A close friend, many years ago, planted her spider plant outdoors and let it naturalize in a corner of her garden. It did well […]