Newspaper Articles

Central Valley gardeners have been enjoying the good life for many years—great climate, good soil, and we can grow almost everything. Now, maintaining a garden or yard in the Central Valley presents serious challenges during periods of water shortages and mandated water restrictions. What's a homeowner to do…

About ten years ago, we removed the front lawn and built a three-foot wall across the front of the house to block the sights and sounds of a somewhat busy street. We planted trees and shrubs with little awareness of drought-tolerant gardening. But, to our credit, everything is watered by drip irrigation or…

What is biodiversity, why is it important, and how can we get it in our home landscape?The word biodiversity means variety of life.  It includes a variety of plants and animals of all shapes and sizes, from the smallest organisms that are invisible to us to the large plants and animals that we can…

California is the native home of many wild buckwheat species. They can be seen growing on offshore islands, through coastal areas, and all the way to the High Sierra. Wild buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.) has several plant shapes and sizes: from low, sprawling ground covers to medium and large shrubs. Some are…

August 1, "Lammas Day," or "Lughnasadh" to the Celts, marks the midpoint between the summer solstice and the autumnal equinox. Historically, it was the first day of the grain harvest in northern Europe. To celebrate, enjoy a nice slice of bread, make a corn dolly, and continue to keep the garden work light…

We all should know by now the value and benefits of trees in our landscapes.  Trees improve air quality through photosynthesis and the storage of carbon. Trees provide shade in our landscapes, which reduces the water needs of surrounding plants, and help keep your home cooler, which reduces…

The aroma of plants can be uplifting. Our gardens are oftentimes a calming and serene presence in the midst of our busy world. As a further enhancement, consider adding another note by adding some fragrant plants to soothe your senses. For instance, a handful of crushed Grosso Lavender can provide…

Lavender is a delightful and useful garden plant. It can be used as a drought-tolerant low hedge, a specimen plant, a cut flower, and an herb that provides a fragrant addition to any garden. As garden ornamentals, lavenders have attractive gray-green foliage and eye-catching, long-lasting blooms.  …

July is historically our hottest and driest month. Keep things easy on both you and the garden. Work in the mornings, stay hydrated, and ease off the pruning and fertilizing. July is a great month to plan for autumn and do whatever preparation you can for creating a more water-efficient, California-style…

We all enjoy having beautiful plants indoors and outdoors, but with our busy schedules, plants can be the last things on our minds. We buy them, forget to water them, and then replace them when they die, or we may give up growing plants completely. Sound familiar? Then, succulents and cacti might be the…