To immerse myself in the healing garden, I’ve started a new project–reviving a neglected front garden, using repurposed cement “stones” from an old sidewalk to build a rockery and creating a more welcoming entry. I’m also connecting with fellow gardeners around the world as we share six garden elements, including daffodils and rosemary.
Tag Archives: gardening in Sonoma County
Scented Garden Plants for Mediterranean, Summer-dry Climate Zones
Take a calming moment to envelop yourself in the scented garden. Get recommendations for aromatic plants that do well in summer-dry, Mediterranean climate zones. Cleveland sage and rockroses for example. Learn which aromatic, drought tolerant plants have done well in our Sonoma County, California garden over the years. American garden blogs
‘Tis the Season for The Olive Harvest, Persimmons and Winter Warmth Without Fossil Fuel
In our garden here in Sonoma County, California, the holiday season also marks festive activities like harvesting the olives for milling into oil, picking persimmons and feijoas and admiring the fall color of the parrotia persica. Winter pruning, wildflower seed scattering, tree planting, and a reflection on going carbon neutral are on the winter garden tasks list.
Of Butterflies and Bidets
You wouldn’t think those two things had anything in common, but as it happens, both presented new and delightful arrivals in my life since my last post. Let’s start in the garden…. Two New Butterfly Sightings Having been captivated by an unknown pair of wings in the garden recently, and standing in mesmerized stillness withContinue reading “Of Butterflies and Bidets”
The Heat Is On–in the garden and on the planet
Today is a toasty 92°F (33°C) but that is normal for this time of year for us. We’ve actually had an unusually cool summer so far and our tomatoes and zucchini are only just starting to ripen. I’m grateful that our area has been spared the intense heatwaves so many areas of the world haveContinue reading “The Heat Is On–in the garden and on the planet”
Baby Foxes Afoot! (cuteness warning)
An adorable family of gray foxes has taken up residence under the ruins of the old barn. I suspect the call of the nearby compost pile and worm bin full of juicy morsels from the kitchen is a great attraction. The first encounter was surprising. Imagine having a nice quiet meditation in the house oneContinue reading “Baby Foxes Afoot! (cuteness warning)”
Spring Awe–Buds and Bugs
Nature does not stand still and wait for us to catch up. It’s a glorious spring after all the winter rains we finally enjoyed after so many drought years. Verdancy is erupting in the garden and the air is abuzz with activity. There are summer veggies to plant and damselflies to admire. The ladybugs areContinue reading “Spring Awe–Buds and Bugs”
The Frogs are Happy, Dormant Pruning Is Done, Bareroot Is Planted, Fungi Is Fruiting and Seedlings Are Started–Whew
I’ve lost track of how many atmospheric rivers have come through California so far this rainy season, so I just looked it up. The answer is fourteen! (KGET) Not that I noticed when one ended and the next began. I’m not complaining. I’m delighted to see that Lake Sonoma is full again, as is ourContinue reading “The Frogs are Happy, Dormant Pruning Is Done, Bareroot Is Planted, Fungi Is Fruiting and Seedlings Are Started–Whew”
Sowing A Wildflower Meadow
Sow your wildflower patch in winter to enjoy the blooms in spring. Read about when I broadcast California poppy and arroyo lupine seeds and how I tend to them in my native wildflower meadow. Watch the lumbering native bumblebees collect pollen.
How to Spook Gardeners on Halloween
Tongue in cheek… just for some Halloween fun, I thought I’d see if I can spook any gardeners with some garden Goth. What might cause my gardener’s soul some sleepless nights? Night Raiders of the Orchard Ghosts would be welcome over these nocturnal haunters: mule deer, raccoons, foxes. At least ghosts can’t eat fruit orContinue reading “How to Spook Gardeners on Halloween”