Napa Master Gardener Column

Grapevines in Napa Valley are breaking their dormancy after enjoying their winter nap. If you haven't done so already, get out your pruning shears, sharpen them, and make sure they are functioning properly. Grapevines need a haircut now to be at their best in 2024.

The UC Master Gardener's February meeting was enlivened by Gordon A. Walker, Ph.D., otherwise known as the fungus guy. Walker has a doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology from U.C. Davis and worked in the wine industry for a time.

On a jog up Napa's Dry Creek Road recently, I saw a magnificent sight: thousands of ladybugs clumped together on fences (even barbed wire) and on old, mossy tree stumps. The most unusual ladybug sighting was on a roadside reflector marker.

Have you heard the term shoulder season? Sometimes it refers to in-between times at resorts when neither winter sports nor summer activities are available. Recently I've been thinking that it also applies to late winter and early spring in our vegetable gardens.

I enjoy wandering Napa's neighborhoods, admiring the front yards, and noting the changes in landscape gardening styles. There has been quite a metamorphosis over the decades. Many people have moved from lush English-style landscaping to water-wise gardening.