Napa Master Gardener Column

When it came time to replace the landscaping in front of our Napa home, California was in drought conditions. We had long ago replaced our lawn with decomposed granite so the project at hand was to replace plants and shrubs that had outlived their usefulness.

To mulch or not to mulch? That is the question.

I often think of myself as the reluctant gardener. Sure, I have always appreciated a lovely garden space overflowing with lush greenery, aromatic blooms or perfectly ripe fruits and veggies. I just personally never had the desire or inclination to make that happen.

This winter's rains have prompted Napa Valley to burst into extravagant bloom.

Recently I visited the home of a fellow Master Gardener who lives near Napa's eastern hills off Third Avenue. She has majestic native oaks in front of her home, and I asked her how old those trees might be. She said maybe 200 years.