Here is my list of gifts for the Gardener that they will actually use. This isn't a "pretty list" from some editor that has never gardened in his or her life. You aren't going to find gardening aprons ( no "real" gardener wears an apron it would get caught under the knees upon kneeling down) and no oilskinned tool bags. This is a list of real tools and products that any gardener can't do without. Felco models are consistently priced, well known, and widely beloved ...
Gardening
My California Garden in Spring-Part Two
Thank you so much for all the kind comments about my front garden. My back garden consists of the pool/patio area and what used to be called the rose garden. The rose garden is on the other side of the fireplace in a safe little corner where the deer have never trodden. If you read my first post, My California Garden in Spring Part One, we left off where the herb garden looks out onto the pool. Here is the other side looking back with Beau posing. Our pool is ancient. We are ...
My California Garden In Spring Part 1
Hi Everyone. My garden is so pretty this year due to the late spring rains I thought I would do an updated post . Parts of my garden are over 30 years old and all of it is at least 20 years old. There are positives and negatives to having a mature garden. The positives of having an older garden are the framework and plants are well established. The negatives are "the framework and plants are well established" (the plants need to be replaced as well as structures!) This is the little barn you ...
How to Grow Wisteria
Have you often wondered how to grow wisteria? That gorgeous purple beauty that blooms in the Spring and can overtake a small house if you aren't careful. Wisteria prefers a fertile well-drained soil. Though wisteria will grow in part shade, it probably won’t flower. If your soil is poor add compost, otherwise wisteria will grow in most soils. Plant in the Spring or Fall. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two or three times as wide. Space plants 10-15 feet ...
My favorite Garden Roses… The Yellows
As a follow up post to Pat Welsh’s rose pro program I thought I would do a post about the roses that I have had the most success with in my own garden. I am not a fan of modern roses per say although I do have one or two in my garden. I prefer the form and bloom style of the old garden roses, David Austin's, and Romanticas to their modern counter parts .Please note that my garden is located along the central coast of California. A rose that performs well for me will not ...
Along the Garden Path…with Beau
I thought it would be fun to travel along the garden path with Beau and experience it through his eyes. Take it away Beau. I spend most of my time in the front garden now that Carlos whacked “buzzed” everything back in the rose garden. It was nice when it was in full bloom … I could hide my toys in the fountain … chase the cats…. Orangeman thinks if he hides behind the plants I won’t see him….I like to humor him….he is getting on in years…so I don’t “always” chase ...
