The large old oak stands back, hidden from those who rush by. But step towards her and you can feel her presence. You can sense her wisdom. Get closer, touch her rough bark and you can feel her love. The pain of life falls away – if only for a short time.
Life and Death in a Nature Park
Plant Sale Thanks
Our annual California Native Plant Society – San Gabriel Mts. Chapter Native Plant Sale was a big success. We had a record turn out, and sold almost all of our plants. As such, we sent around 1,800 excellent habitat plants out into our communities. The sale’s success was due to the help and support of
Keeping Plants Alive in Extreme Heat
(Posted on July 8, 2018, also see Tips for Native Plant Heat Wave Gardening, Sept. 18. 2018) We are currently enjoying a balmy 99+ degree day. After the record breaking heat of 114º F on Friday, this is somewhat of an improvement. In this blog post I will 1) suggest practices to help your plants
How to make a native garden
It is now gardening time in Southern California. Check out the how to make a native plant garden for background and tips.
Interested in introducing native plants to your garden?
I am excited to be joining with Wendy Kerfoot, a new board member of South Pasadena Beautiful today (Sunday, 11/15/20) at 4 PM for a Zoom Webinar on introducing native plants to your garden. The presentation will be kept short so that we can address questions posted by participants. (Though the talk is slated for
What to do with green waste in the garden
Learn to use your garden green waste sustainably without power machines or sending it to the landfill. And for everyone's health: NO BLOWERS!
Summer Water
Note: This article was first published in July 2011. Since that time our summers seem to have gotten hotter, with some record-breaking highs. I am writing another article on summer water that addresses the stresses on plants and how to deal with them in these extreme climate events. Are you ready for the 4th
How to create your own superbloom
Learn to grow your own wildflower superbloom
Lawn out. Wildflowers in.
When you peel off a layer of turf grass, the soil beneath is often compacted, depleted of nutrients and life, and polluted with salts and other chemicals. These chemicals may have accumulated from ongoing applications of fertilizers and pesticides. Or possibly, poor irrigation practices – short, frequent watering periods – that leave behind salts found
3 Garden Pests – Thrips, Scales, Ants
Learn to keep your native plants healthy without resorting to toxic chemicals. Control garden pests, ants, thrips and scales.