Facebook
X (Twitter)
Reddit
Pinterest
Tumblr
Delicious
LinkedIn
StumbleUpon
UC Gardening Blogs
Ever Seen an Aphid Giving Birth?
You know those dratted aphids, those little pests that suck the very lifeblood out of your prized...
A close-up of an aphid giving birth in a Vacaville pollinator garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Another close-up of an aphid giving birth in a Vacaville pollinator garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A lady beetle, aka ladybug, chowing down on an aphid, while another "waits its turn." (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
The larvae of lady beetles also feast on aphids. This larva is getting its share. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
A Sparkling Holiday Book Idea
If you're looking for an inspiring gift for the gardener on your list, New Naturalism: Designing and Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden might be just what you're looking for. Kelly D. Norris noted horticulturist and modern plantsman has written what could become one of the most used gardening volumes on your bookshelf. New Naturalism checks all the boxes for how our home gardens should be evolving in this climate-challenged world. Norris shares his exciting and ecologically sound vision for home gardens that are inspired by stylish yet naturalistic plantings that imitate those wonderful wild spaces such as meadows, prairies, and woodlands that we all love. His vision is far from the contrived, formal, high-maintenance designs of the past.
The author begins with a basic introduction to plant biology and ecology—which is a great review for even the most knowledgeable gardener. He builds on this foundation to demonstrate how we can design and grow thriving, lush home gardens. Norris shares his passion for harnessing the power of plant layers and palettes that are defined by nature and not by humans. His philosophy leads the reader to the “next generation” of home landscapes created not by plants in little rows that are pruned to perfection and most likely rely on pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides to survive. Rather, in “New Naturalism”, Norris shows how to create stunning landscapes that convey nature's intrinsic beauty. These are gardens that offer so much more than just their gorgeous aesthetics—all the while creating their own sense of romance and elegance.
The naturalistic garden designs featured in this unique new book, serve to contribute to positive environmental changes by increasing biodiversity, providing a refuge for wildlife, and reconnecting us to nature—right in our own backyards!
Among the notable ideas that Norris shares are:
- Nature-inspired ways to upgrade existing foundation plantings, shrub beds, and flower borders to a wilder aesthetic while still managing the space
- Ideas for turning shady landscapes into canopied retreats
- Planting ideas for building meadow, prairies, and other grassland-inspired open plantings in urban settings
- Turning sidewalk and driveway plantings into visually soft spaces for humans and wildlife alike.
- Unique ways to make ecologically vivid gardens in the smallest of spaces
The strongest focus in New Naturalism offers the proposition of viewing the “planting beds” around our homes as ecological systems. With this basic tenet, if properly designed and planted, gardens and landscapes can support positive environmental change, increase plant and animal diversity and create a more resilient space. And, by using these ideas, the home garden can be elevated to an exquisite, inviting environment for all.
How Termites 'Looking for Love' Landed in the News
What a year! Termites seem to be capturing the interest of more folks than usual. First, emeritus...
A winged termite ready for flight as another termite waits. This image was taken Oct. 27 in Vacaville, Calif.(Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
These subterranean termites have just emerged from the soil in a Buck Avenue yard, Vacaville, on Oct. 27. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Hori Hori Knife
I am heading out to my garden this morning with no major chores to tackle, just a little of everything that needs some tender tending and planting some new seedlings. I always make sure that I have all the gardening tools I will need for the planned tasks at the ready, like clippers, scissors, trowel, weeding tools, and a small saw.
However, I am feeling a bit weighed down lugging all these tools around for today's chores. I have a flash thought… maybe the only tool I really need for the garden tasks is my trusty Hori Hori knife! So, all of the other gardening tools will actually get the day off, and off I go with one of my favorite tools.
What is a Hori Hori knife and why is it called that? The term comes from the Japanese verb ‘horu', which means ‘to dig'. The words hori-hori are said to phonetically resemble the sounds made from digging.
The Hori Hori knife has almost everything you need for a day of work in the garden. The blade on this knife has a slight concave curve between each edge and is incredibly sharp. One side of the blade is serrated and the other has a straight edge. My knife has marked measurements on the blade to know the depth when digging. The blade is also strong enough for prying out rocks or hidden treasures that my dog buried.
I find that the Hori Hori knife is useful for:
- Planting – I can dig a nice row for seedlings and deeper holes for rooted plants. The marked blade measurements are really helpful to guide the depth of the hole for bulbs.
- Cutting – This tool can cut through so many things that need to be taken care of in the garden. As seen in the pictures below, the jagged side of the knife is handy for cutting small branches, thick foliage, and roots. The other side has a smooth, sharp edge, which helps with smaller tasks, like opening bags of soil.
- Dividing perennials and bulbs – This tool can easily split clumps of rooted plants for replanting.
- Getting rid of weeds – The knife is a big help for digging out weeds at their roots.
- Digging up root crops - I use it for digging up my potatoes, beets, onions, and carrots.
Most Hori Hori knives come with a nice leather case to secure sharp edges. My knife also has a non-slip handle and a protective hilt for a good grip. I saw some knives in the market that have a beautifully crafted wooden handle, but that would then make it too much of a temptation for my husband who already has his eyes on my special garden tool.
Happy Gardening!
Hori Hori Knife With Leather Case - Al Alvarado
Hori Hori Knife Top Side - Al Alvarado
Who's Speaking at the UC Davis Entomology/Nematology Seminars?
Talk about a full schedule! Nematologist Shahid Siddique, assistant professor, UC Davis...
The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, will be the topic of a UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology seminar on Jan. 12. (Photo courtesy of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica, will be discussed at the Jan. 5 seminar hosted by the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology. (Wikipedia photo by AfroBrazilian)
