Make a DIY Bee Bath

We put out bird baths for the song birds, and nectar for the hummingbirds, but how many of us have thought to set out water for the bees? 

They may not be the first creatures that come to mind, but bees get thirsty too!  They're attracted to swimming pools, wading pools, buckets with water in them, and birdbaths...but they can easily drown in the deep water.  Keep your bees hydrated, and safe, with this super-simple DIY Bee Bath!

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar

We're lucky to have a lot of hummingbirds buzzing about our yard, pollinating the garden as they frolic from blossom to blossom.  This year I received a hummingbird feeder, together with Mom's "secret" recipe for homemade hummingbird nectar, to help keep the hummingbirds thriving year-round.  

Water Patio Plants Less Often with this Surprising Tip!

This spring while planting the garden, I wanted to try out new ways to help keep my container flowers blooming throughout the heat of the summer.  That is, without me standing over them and watering them every day!

A high school chemistry teacher waaay back in the day had beakers of gel around the classroom with flowers growing out of them.  She explained to us that it was the same water-retaining material found in diapers...and period pads.  That little bit of trivia stayed with me and this spring it's found its way into my coir-lined hanging planters.  Here's more on this unexpected repurposing...feminine pads in the garden!

Garden Tour: Studio City, California

What a gorgeous spring day, perfect for a walk around Studio City, California!

This LA suburb is home to a cute cafe street, charming neighborhoods, CBS Studios, and if rumors are correct...the Big Brother House the exterior of the Brady Bunch house, Miley Cirus, Zac Effron, Bruno Mars, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Trebec, Sophia Vergara, William Shatner, Seth McFarlane and Ryan Gosling all call it home.

Drought Resistant Landscaping

When looking for plants that can thrive during the arid summer months, these photos I shot of a southern California native garden are great inspiration.  I love the use of rocks, pebbles, and other natural elements - not only do they not require water, but they add amazing contrast to the dramatic shapes of native grasses and plants.