The Water-Saving Garden

California is in its forth year of "exceptional drought", which means its high time to be thinking about how to use our water more efficiently.  Since about half of a home's water use is estimated to go outdoors, that is an excellent place to start.  

Simple tips for a bee-friendly garden

Bees bees bees, I love them!  When I was a little girl, on my way home from school I'd stop every day in front of our giant almond tree.  The branches were filled with hundreds of honey bees hard at work - buzzing from blossom to blossom.  The neighbor kids were all afraid to get close, but I loved the excitement!  Each little bee had its job to do, and as long as I moved slowly and quietly, they were perfectly happy to have me by their side.

Why I'm SOMETIMES Buying Plants at Home Depot...and How

Earlier this spring I visited Home Depot and was shocked by their new plant tags.  How in the world could they be promoting their plants treated with bee-harming Neonic pesticides as a friendly convenience?  

I was ashamed to have been purchasing there.  Shocked by it all, I researched the topic and wrote Why I'm NOT Buying Plants at Home Depot or LOWES and quickly vowed to go on strike against them and any other nurseries using Neonics.

Planting with Moon Cycles

Know when is the best time to plant...by looking at the moon!

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!

10 FRESH Springtime Garden Tips

There is nothing better this time of year than digging your fingers into the soil and watching as life sprouts out of it!

Here a collection of fresh gardening tips to help ring in the season:

How to grow beets in containers

Beets, with their juicy red roots and edible leafy greens, are the best.  And they're super easy to grow in containers, so perfect for "farming" on a balcony or porch.

Growing Beets from Kitchen Scraps

I used to be notorious for buying beets, with grand intentions of beet and goat cheese salads...and forgetting about them in the veggie drawer.  Yep, my husband loves it.  Ahem.

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.

Should I use raised garden beds?

Raised beds look so pretty.  I'm addicted to pictures of raised garden beds (as my Pinterest boards attest).  

But when it comes to my vegetable plot, are they helpful?  Should I use them?