‘Amaryllis’ (actually South American Hippeastrum) Did you receive or purchase blooming potted ‘amaryllis’ or ‘paper whites’ this holiday season? These bulbs are very popular gifts over the holidays and have been ‘forced’ to bloom at this time of year. Most people I know treat them like cut flowers and toss them out once […]
Gifts From the Garden: Herbs
It’s that time of year again, the holidays are upon us! If you are looking for a thoughtful hostess gift, something for a cook, or just want to dress up your own holiday table, consider creating gift baskets, pots, centerpieces and place settings using herb plants. Here are a few ideas: 1. Herb Centerpiece (pictured […]
Fall Planted Bulbs
Yellow ranunculus and white freesias with blue forget-me-nots Have you planted bulbs yet? If you want a foolproof, spectacular display of spring color, plant bulbs this fall! Dutch Iris Choose these varieties for flowers that will return year after year in Southern California:– Dutch iris– Freesia– Daffodils Ranunculus Others that are beautiful but usually need […]
Grafted Cool Season Tomatoes
Stupice Jetsetter Marianna’s Peace Planting tomatoes in September? I’ve never done this before, but I was given three grafted cool season tomatoes today so I’m going to give it a try! I’ll let you know how it goes. What is a ‘cool season’ tomato? If you’ve ever grown tomatoes, you probably planted them in […]
Seed Starting Tips
Why start plants from seed rather than buy six packs? The main reason I do it is to have more variety in the garden. Most nurseries only carry a few common veggies in six packs. But if you look at the seed racks, and especially seed catalogs, you’ll find purple carrots, orange cauliflower, bush varieties […]
Time to Start Cool Season Seeds!
With these hot August days, it seems way too early to start thinking about a cool season garden, but if you want to grow your own plants from seed, now is the time to start them! In areas with mild winters, October is the prime month to plant cool season veggies and flowers to enjoy […]
Favorite August Flowers: Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, also known as ‘Gloriosa Daisy’ or ‘Black-Eyed Susan’, is just ‘glorious’ in my garden right now. Thanks to its generous habit of self-sowing, there are bright yellow/orange patches of color throughout the flower beds. They also provide bright spots of color in the house as they make great cut flowers with their long stems […]
Meyer Lemon
‘Improved Meyer’ lemon blossoms and mature fruit My Meyer lemon tree is my favorite plant in my garden. I use the fruit almost daily in cooking and in my tea, and to make killer lemon bars! See recipe below. Everyone who lives in southern California and other mild winter areas should consider planting a lemon […]