College Students Create Innovative and Sustainable Gardens Every two years the U.S. Department of Energy sponsors the Solar Decathlon, a competition of college teams to design and build houses powered by the sun. The event is being held this month at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine (last days open to the public are […]
Garden Tips from a Backyard Farmer
Farm to Table in Montana As mentioned in previous posts, when I’m on a vacation, I always keep my eyes open for cool garden venues to visit. This month I went to one of my favorite places in the world, the Swan Valley area of Montana (not too far from Glacier National Park). We rented […]
Free Succulents Garden Workshop
‘Sensational Succulents’ Workshop at the Orange County Great Park If you want drought tolerant, low maintenance, but colorful and interesting plants in your pots or garden, succulents are a great choice! University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will demonstrate how to create beautiful succulent gardens in containers and your yard. Taking cuttings, propagation, […]
What to Do in the Garden: August
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labors! The long hot days of August are not my favorite for doing a lot of work in the garden! But I sure enjoy eating all the good things out there! Once I take care of the harvesting, watering, and minimal maintenance, off I go to a shady corner with […]
A Gardener’s Trip to Santa Barbara County
I recently spent a fun weekend trip to the Santa Barbara county towns of Buellton, Solvang, and Los Olivos. We rode bikes from Buellton through Solvang and on to Los Olivos, about a 20 mile round trip. It’s a great area for gardeners to visit with lots of wineries, olive oil tasting, even a lavender […]
Garden Party
Five Easy Tips to Get Your Garden Ready to Party! It’s the perfect time for a garden party! There’s nothing more beautiful than the spring garden in all it’s blooming glory. With Mother’s Day, graduations, bridal and baby showers, and maybe even a wedding on your calendar in the upcoming weeks, here’s how to get […]
Five Simple Steps to Designing Beautiful Flower Beds
For those of us who have no training in design, creating a cohesive, beautiful and long blooming flower bed can be a challenge. I should know! As a very left brain thinker, design is not my forte! But over the years I’ve found a few simple steps that are easy to remember and implement. 5 […]
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 […]