UC Master Gardeners- Diggin' it in SLO

Food for the Trail and Beyond By Stephanie Hill UCCE Master Food Preserver As the weather warms on the Central Coast, winter stretches into spring and those summer backpacking and camping adventures begin to manifest in the forefront of our minds.

Island Snapdragon By Polly Nelson UCCE Master Gardener Galvezia Speciosa Planting Zone: Sunset 14-24 Size: 3-6 feet tall, 5-7 feet wide spreading mound. Bloom season: Most abundant in spring, intermittent year-round. Exposure: Sun to partial shade in hot inland areas.

Youdid, Wedid, Medid, Shedid, Hedid, Mydid? Mydid Flies, genus Mydas Good bugs or not so good? Norm Knows.

Mexican Bush Marigold By Andrea Peck UCCE Master Gardener Mexican Bush Marigold Tagetes lemmonii Planting Zone: 8-11 Size: Three to five feet high and wide. Bloom season: Blooms fall through spring, until first frost. Fog along the coast may prolong blooming. Exposure: Best in full sun.

Lavender By Lee Oliphant UCCE Master Gardener Spanish Lavender Lavandula stoechas Planting zone: hardy in zones 7 to 9. Size: grows to 3 feet in height and width. Bloom season: spring to fall. Exposure: full sun. Pruning needs: deadheading spent blooms will prolong blooming season.