Wrapping Paper, Ribbon, Boxes, and Holiday Greenery Have a Second Life in the Garden! I’ve spent the last few days cleaning up the Christmas debris and putting away decorations. It occurred to me that I was wasting an awful lot of resources! Looking at all the stuff I was throwing away, I came up with […]
Kid’s Garden Fun: Make a Bucket Garden
A child’s very own garden in a bucket! Here’s an easy, fun way to get the kids outside, connected to nature, and maybe even get them to eat more fruits and veggies! Kids are natural gardeners. They love to get their hands in the dirt and they are keen observers of nature. Planting their very […]
Holiday Gifts from the Garden: Bulbs
Amaryllis and Paperwhite (narcissus) Bulbs – The Gifts that Keep Giving Want to give a gift that brings joy and beauty weeks after it is given? Plant amaryllis or paperwhite bulbs in festive containers. The recipients will experience the wonder of bulbs as it first sends forth leaves, then a budding flower stalk, and […]
Christmas Decorating Ideas from Your Garden
Deck the Halls with Greens, Berries and Other Garden Treasures For a quick and inexpensive way to decorate your home for the holidays, go out in your garden and clip away! For my holiday mantel decor, I chose podocarpus branches and toyon berries. Add a few gold ornaments and a candle, and the mantel is […]
Last Month to Plant Spring Blooming Bulbs
Want to see an explosion of color in your garden this spring? Bulbs that bloom in late winter through spring are planted in southern California from October through mid December. So if you didn’t get them in before now, you have a couple weeks left. It’s worth the effort, as you can see in […]
Creating a Pumpkin Centerpiece
Happy Thanksgiving! Here’s a fun, creative and beautiful centerpiece (or unique hostess gift!) to make for your Holiday table! Place on a moisture proof plate or tray to protect your table. It will last 3-7 days. Plant outside, pumpkin and all, in a pot or in the ground after the holiday.
Christmas Obelisk
What to do with your garden obelisks in winter? Create a fun and beautiful Christmas decoration! Supplies needed: 1. Garden obelisk (I used metal, but wood would also work.) 2. 4 small cups or votive candle holders filled with sand, clay or melted wax. 3. Green garland (I used artificial, but real evergreens would […]
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 […]