My lavender has been in full bloom for the last month and what a treat to walk by and enjoy the wonderful fragrance! History: For centuries, lavender has been used to perfume linen and bedding. It not only smells good but its essential oil is an antibiotic that destroys the bacteria that causes tuberculosis and […]
Favorite July Flowers: Crocosmia
I recently hosted a potluck for Master Gardeners at my home (talk about peer pressure!) and the most asked about flowers in the garden were the crocosmia. The variety I grow is ‘Lucifer’ which is bright red, blooms in July and reaches a height of about 4′. They are especially striking planted toward the rear […]
Favorite Gardening Books for Southern California
I love almost any gardening book, but finding those that address the specific needs of southern California gardeners can be challenging. The majority of books are written for climates that have colder winters than ours and so don’t have appropriate seasonal advice. Here are my four favorite books for gardening in our area: 1. Sunset […]
Peaches!
I just finished my peach harvest. Sadly, they all seem to ripen over a two week period and it is a mad rush to get them picked before the deer, birds, squirrels and rats get them. But for that two weeks, we have our fill of fresh peach cobbler, crisp, sliced peaches with cinnamon or […]
Pest Control Tips
Now that the weather is nice and warm and plants are growing like crazy, the pest population is growing as well and feasting on our beautiful gardens. It’s ok to have some pest damage, remember without bugs there are no birds, usually nature will balance itself! But when the pests are out of balance, here […]
Bountiful Berries: Part 1, Strawberries
Strawberry plants produce blossoms, green, and mature fruit all at the same time. How did they get the name “strawberry”?In the ‘olden’ days, farmers mulched the plants with straw, not plastic like today. So they called the berries “straw” berries! Hot weather marks the end of the productive season for strawberries. The plants prefer moderate […]
Favorite July Flowers: Dahlia
I love to bring cut flowers into the house and dahlias provide a beautiful supply all summer. In my southern California garden, the dahlias return every year from their slumbering underground tubers. The foliage first pokes through the soil in late spring with the first flowers appearing in late June/early July. And spectacular flowers they […]
Out With the Lawn in With the Veggies: Part Two
What to Plant? Plant what you like to eat! Although this seems pretty obvious, I have often been too greedy at the nursery or seed rack and bought eggplant, hot peppers, and squashes that no one in my family will eat! Now I restrict myself to things I know we like with one or two […]