Last fall’s wildfires in Southern California epitomize the changing nature of landscapes. Change can come suddenly through disturbance that accompanies catastrophic events like fires or floods, or it can be incremental occurring slowly over years. Stasis, or the lack of change, is non-existent in nature. Too often we forget that gardens, also, are systems that […]
mulch
Planning the Paths in the East Garden
As the summer draws to an end, I have been thinking more and more about some big changes I am going to make in my garden come the fall planting season. I began the process by focusing on the area in my back yard that you see when you enter by the side gate. It […]
Wilderness in Decomposition
A compost dwelling lizard who I named Shirley, spent months on top of the heap. Each morning, before going to work, I would gently lift the lid, say hello and carefully place the morning’s scraps so as not to disturb her. From Wild Suburbia Each year I look forward to the burst of spring wildflowers […]
We Can All Agree on Mulch — Or Can We?
garden in Claremont, CA. with decomposed granite mulch and river rock From Wild Suburbia Most people do not realize that gardeners are a contentious bunch. They discuss, banter, argue, and almost come to blows about which plants, amendments, and gardening practices are best. There is one thing, though, that most agree on, and that is […]