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“In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil.” ~Rose G. Kingsley

We hope to see you at our Fall Garden Fair on October 3rd!

Quiz: Odd one out?

Photo credits (left to right): (1) Jackman, Texas A&M Extension; (2) Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota; (3 & 4) Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM

A Versatile Lawn Alternative

Are you looking for a low-growing, no-mow, dog-friendly and proven low-water perennial groundcover? Lippia (Phyla nodiflora) may be your answer. This adaptable and pollinator-friendly native plant grows quickly in full sun and is tolerant of sand, loam and clay soils. Kurapia is a sterile cultivar of lippia developed in Japan and investigated by UC Davis, UC Riverside, and University of Arizona for use in the US. Kurapia uses up to 60% less water than turfgrass and looks great year-round with little irrigation.

Photo: Lippia makes for a dog-friendly lawn, Yahui Tu

CA Native Plant Talks

Fall is a great time to learn about and plant California natives. A wide variety of plant species have co-evolved with local wildlife and adapted to local conditions. They provide habitat for pollinators, birds and wildlife, and many are drought tolerant. With the beginning of the rainy season and cooling temperatures, new plants will have an easier time establishing before next summer. Come learn more!

Multiple classes are available in October:

• Gardening with Nature - Saratoga
• Growing California Natives - Cupertino
• Planning a Simple Native Garden - Sunnyvale

Photo: A cluster of tidy tips growing at Santa Teresa County Park, Ying Chen

Tiny Holes, Big Problem

If you see numerous holes on a tree trunk, look closer. Are the holes the size of a ballpoint pen tip? Do you see staining, gumming, sugar exudate or frass at the holes? If so, the tree may be infested with invasive shothole borers (ISHB), which infect it with Fusarium dieback (FD). Since 2023, ISHB-FD has been detected in San Jose where one in five trees could be affected. Potential economic impact is worrying as ISHB-FD has many reproductive host trees that support beetle propagation. If you notice signs of ISHB-FD, consult these diagnosis and management tips. San Jose residents can also refer to the city's ISHB web page on what to do.

Photo: Numerous holes with slight staining at the edges on a Box Elder tree trunk showing early signs of ISHB-FD infestation, Mary Werthman

B.U.G.

Do you notice the little details in nature, love taking photos on your phone, AND care about bringing wildlife back to your neighborhood? The Biodiversity in Urban Gardens (BUG) statewide study needs you! The study aims to collect biodiversity data in urban communities to help determine how native plant gardens support wildlife differently than non-native plant gardens. Citizen volunteers like you can support this program by taking photos of the native animals you see on, in, under, or around native plants, and uploading them to the iNaturalist app.

Photo credit: Kathy Keatley Garvey

Plant Clinic

Do you have a sick plant, an ailing tree, or mysterious spots on leaves? Join UC Master Gardeners to diagnose your plant and pest problems. You can also listen and learn while other people ask questions. Our last virtual plant clinic of 2026 is via Zoom on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 pm. Priority will be given to questions that are emailed in advance. Instructions for submitting questions are in the Zoom registration confirmation.

Photo credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC ANR

Quiz Answer: Centipede

University of California Master Gardener volunteers promote sustainable gardening practices and provide research-based horticultural information to home gardeners. Visit our website for more information including:

• More Monthly Tips
• A complete list of Upcoming Events and Classes
• Extensive Garden Help
• Videos of garden tips and past online presentations

Have a gardening question? Ask us. We’re here to help!