Flower Gardens

Planting annual native wildflower seeds can be a relatively easy and inexpensive way to add native plants to your garden. The best time to plant is from mid-October into November. Water during dry spells between rains for optimal germination. You can extend the bloom season by continuing to sow from December…

Planting Ideas for Late Summer Blooms  Here are some late summer flowers that will rejuvenate the look of the garden and lift any gardener’s spirits. Summer Hyacinth, Ornithogalum candicans, is a perennial bulb; plant it now for next year’s bloom. It has a blooming funnel-shaped flower, and…

In late summer bulbs of daffodils and tulips start appearing in garden stores. Everyone enjoys the lovely display they make in spring. But do you know that there are native spring-blooming bulbs that will also look beautiful in your garden? You may have seen blue dicks (scientific name Dichelostemma capitata…

Your Garden in the Moonlight Have you ever thought about creating a garden that would glow in the moonlight? Wander around your yard some night and consider a place where you could enjoy a peaceful, quiet get-away in the evening and dark. Based on the location and view, consider assorted forms, sizes,…

Pollinators benefit our gardens and the environmentSupporting pollinators is easy and beautiful here in the foothills. Fragrant blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in our gardens. The pollinators support the health of our flora, both the gardens that we plant, and the commercial crops grown…

Container Magic – Helpful How-to Tips on Planting Your Garden in a Container Container gardening is a fun and easy way to beautify a yard or small garden space. Containers are perfect for most environments and people of all gardening levels. They are portable and offer endless possibilities. Choose…

 The calendula is a beautiful and hardworking flower in the home garden. It thrives in cool weather, making it a perfect addition to the North Coast. It is in the Asteraceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region. For home gardeners seeking a plant that is easy to grow, looks beautiful in…

By this time of year the lush growth and colorful flowers of spring are just a memory. Many California native plants go dormant in the summer, waiting for the fall and winter rains before they grow again. Some plants, like California buckeye, are already losing their leaves. But luckily for the native garden…

The Bay Area is a rich climate for having color all year from perennials. We highlight a few of our favorites if you're looking to enjoy bountiful color in your garden.

On our hot summer days, shady garden areas can offer welcome respite from the heat. One of the challenges of gardening in shade, though, is adding interest through color, because it can be difficult to find plants that bloom in shade. Incorporating native plants in your garden can greatly increase the…