Water-Wise Water FeaturesOther than the decorative bowl on my deck railing that I refill each morning with water for the birds, I do not have a single ''water feature'' on my property — yet. Until recently, the idea of installing a babbling fountain or digging and maintaining a pond in my hot, dry, Sierra…
Noxious weed! This “cute” perennial plant grows about 3 feet tall, displaces desirable vegetation, and reduces the biodiversity of our native ecosystems. It was introduced from southern Europe as an attractive ornamental. But it has no natural deterrents, takes over natural habitats, and is quite invasive…
Although probably impossible to grow plants with NO water, our unusual winter precipitation patterns cause us to reflect on how best to use water resources in our gardens and landscapes. In the Sierra foothills, July is the month with the highest rates of evaporation from the soil and transpiration from…
I’ve always loved that time in early spring when our hillsides are painted with great drifts of blue, lavender, and white Ceanothus, otherwise known as California Lilac. After many years of admiring them from afar, I plan to add some to my garden. In the meantime, here’s a bit of what I’ve learned so far…
Lime in Tuolumne County Gardens and Historywritten by UCCE Master Gardener Nancy Piekarczyk Tuolumne County—in the past and present—is a significant producer of lime and dolomitic lime. The stone is used for construction, agriculture and making slaked lime for mortar and plaster…
Geraniums and Condiments: American ClassicsBy UCCE Master Gardener Julie Silva Mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup have prestigious places in your refrigerator. They are basic, well loved, long lasting, and delicious. When you think about those three condiments, your mind travels to the last sandwich or…
Pick Me! Celosia and MarigoldsBy UCCE Master Gardener Julie Silva You have seen it while standing at the nursery in spring, staring at flats and flats of color. What you should really be staring at are the two grey-haired ladies with over…
Following the Bloomby Jim Bliss According to the weatherman, spring comes in the middle of March. But for those of us living in the Sierra Nevada mountains, spring depends more on altitude than on the time of year. For garden lovers this provides a great opportunity. Starting in February in the Central…
Will your garden soil produce well? One of the best items to check is your soil pH or acidity. pH stands for the “potential of hydrogen” and is a scale that indicates whether your soil is acid or alkaline (basic). The pH scale runs from 0 to 14 with 7.0 being neutral. If your pH is below…
What makes a neighborhood a community? Is it holiday decorations, strollable sidewalks, or HOA-stipulated paint colors? Laughing children, knowing your neighbors and aesthetic beauty are all components of your surrounding neighborhood. But I think front porches create…
