It’s perfect weather for rust

What happens when you combine mild weather, a rain that lasts for a day or two and rapidly growing plants fighting for space? Nature has provided perfect growing conditions for the disease rust.  One of the most common fungal diseases of garden plants, there are thousands of different species of rust that infect trees, shrubs, …

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Learn about IPM with Diego

Integrated pest management, or IPM, is a process you can use to solve pest problems while minimizing risks to people and the environment. The definition of IPM is: IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification …

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Could it be Fire blight?

As you drive through neighborhoods in mid-February, you may be delighted by the large trees clothed in puffy cloud looking blossoms of white.  Common throughout Marin, ornamental pear trees, specifically ‘Bradford’ pears, put on a spectacular show. In the mid-1960’s landscapers and municipal planners planted lots of them – they grew fast, took any kind …

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Take a Good Look at your Indoor Plants

Weather so far this season has been really really cold, and of late, nice, and wet.  Not a great time to be outside wording in the yard.  It IS, however, a great time to do some much-needed primping of your indoor plants.  If you keep your plants clean and neat, they’re not only more attractive, …

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Parents and Pet Owners Beware!

If you’re a parent, a pet owner, or both, you likely love spending time in your outside spaces together.  You’ve likely removed any potential hazards indoors for kids, dogs, and cats, but how about outside? Are there possible dangers lurking, especially related to pesticides? Here are some things to consider: Weed and feed products for …

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Invite Amphibians into your Yard

Want to add some natural insect control to your yard?  Think amphibians.  This group of creatures include frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. They are among the most beneficial creatures you can find in your garden. Most, like tree frogs, start life in water and then move to land. Some, like the California newt, remain in …

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Think about Planting Natives

Fall is for planting!  And no better time to add some native plants to your garden.  Why natives?  There are lots of reasons including conserving water, reducing chemical usage (no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are needed with natives) and encouraging wildlife. Want a colorful garden and don’t think you can do it with mostly natives?  …

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