Carolyn Melf

The UC Master Gardeners of Butte County are part of the University of California Cooperative Extension system, serving our community in a variety of ways, including 4-H, farm advisers, and nutrition and physical activity programs.

Euphorbias thrive in north state climate | The Real Dirt

March 22, 2024 at 3:30 a.m.

The UC Master Gardeners of Butte County are part of the University of California Cooperative Extension system, serving our community in a variety of ways, including 4-H, farm advisers, and...

At this time of year bulbs are appearing at nurseries and big retail stores as well as in the garden catalogs that arrive in your mail box.

No-chill bulbs for spring planting | The Real Dirt

November 5, 2021 at 3:30 a.m.

At this time of year bulbs are appearing at nurseries and big retail stores as well as in the garden catalogs that arrive in your mail box.

The real dirt: No-chill bulbs for spring blooms

April 20, 2018 at 5:52 a.m.

At this time of year bulbs are appearing at nurseries and big retail stores as well as in the garden catalogs that arrive in your mail box. Many bulbs (like...

The real dirt: It’s time to divide bearded iris

April 20, 2018 at 6:46 a.m.

If you haven’t trimmed and divided your iris this summer, now is the time to do it.Bearded iris plants need to be thinned or divided every three to five years....

Euphorbias offer drama, demand little water

April 21, 2018 at 9:11 a.m.

Looking for a drought-tolerant plant? Euphorbias are one of the most dramatic garden plants. The genus is expansive and includes 2000 species of herbaceous perennials, annuals and biennials, as well...

Azaleas are a great perennial choice

April 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

A colorful perennial has been brightening spring gardens for many weeks. Azaleas are the easy-to-care-for stars of semi-shaded locations. The most common varieties are evergreen azaleas, which are more accurately...

How to have a green thumb

April 21, 2018 at 11:07 a.m.

The Green Thumb phrase is familiar to gardeners and non-gardeners. Figuratively speaking, it means a person who likes gardening and has a gift for growing plants. Historically speaking, the Old...

The Real Dirt: Thornless roses are the painless choice

April 21, 2018 at 11:18 a.m.

January is traditionally the month for pruning roses in Butte County, although pruning in the form of deadheading spent blooms continues during the bloom season (sometimes into December). Unless you...

The Real Dirt: Alcohol prevents paperwhites from getting leggy

April 21, 2018 at 11:22 a.m.

One way to garden indoors during the winter months is by forcing bulbs. The most popular bulb for this purpose is the paperwhite narcissus. Paperwhites do not need a cold...

No-chill bulbs for spring blooms

April 21, 2018 at 11:41 a.m.

At this time of year bulbs are appearing at nurseries and big retail stores as well as in the garden catalogs that arrive in your mail box. Many bulbs (like...

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