27 favorite ‘ground covers’ Growing plants that ‘cover the ground’ means you have something to plant in the front of a flower bed, something for along the edge of paths and, importantly, something that prevents weeds from growing. You can even ‘create’ a lawn-like area that doesn’t take the maintenance of usual lawn care. All these…
I was able to show photos as I gave a talk today on Fall Color at the Oakhurst Library. For those who missed this event, here is what happened! Fall color surprises! It’s fun to discover Fall color in the garden when you don’t expect it, but don’t forget to plan for more color by choosing some…
Attracting Hummingbirds to the garden… Plant a hummingbird garden and they will come! Lure them right into your own garden with a proper feeder or this list of plants so that you can enjoy them. Be sure to keep binoculars and a zoom camera handy. Hiding behind the drapery may become a habit when you begin attract these living ‘flowers’…
9 Reasons we love succulents here! Why do we love these fun and fleshy little rosettes called succulents? Is it because they magically multiply? Or that they are fascinatingly cute? As gem-like accents to the landscaping in your garden, succulents add a beautiful contrast to rustic and rusty or galvanized containers. Hens and chicks, or…
The Week that Was: My story of the 2015 Willow Fire I heard the news online and called my husband, Tractor Man to come look. We could see a column of smoke at the far end of the valley two miles away.. This would become the 5,700-acre 2015 Willow Fire, which began at 2:30 pm on…
A plant I’d love to see in local nurseries… Considering their long-lasting vibrant blooms, hardiness and resistance to drought, deer, extreme temps, Hyssops or Agastache offer plenty of food for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. What more can a gardener ask for? No wonder they’re adored by gardeners far and wide – with several varieties hardy to USDA zones…
Heavenly tombstones: Fun with Gold Country geology Field Trip! Have you ever seen these distinctive rocks on the back roads of the Sierra foothills? As you drive through the back roads of Gold Country on the west side of Hwy 49, you will see unique rocks that appear to be grave or tombstones. They are…
Corn lily or Skunk cabbage? I find out… A wildflower walk yields a new name and an interesting plant to photograph up in the high country near Jones’s Store in Beasore Meadow. Travel from Bass Lake, California, up Beasore Road, opposite the Pines Village, and you’ll be in the high country within 40 minutes. Cattle…
An easy tool to find CA native plants for you! Just enter your address into this database and all the CA native plants that are perfect for your garden are displayed with photos and descriptions. It’s easy and fun! Despite the wettest winter in five years, California remains in a drought which is motivating many…
Orange you glad to find two new CA natives in the garden? Yes, I am! A new bird and a new California native annual are discovered here in my garden in April. New or just not noticed before? Either way, I’m delighted! And both happen to be shades of orange. First, what I thought was a…
A gardener’s April day trip On a recent visit to Coarsegold, California, I stopped by the Hillside Iris Farm of Bill Tyson, just before the peak bloom. His farm is open to the public just during the month of April when Iris are in full bloom and ready to order by color and shape. You choose the ones…
Beautiful Beard Tongue As I stroll through the garden, my attention is drawn to how well adapted Beard Tongue or Penstemons are for the Sierra Foothills! Whether, cultivated hybrids or CA Natives, they are perfectly easy to grow and the bloom is spectacular in your garden. Scroll through the ones I have in my garden and see…
Yosemite Nature Notes Yosemite Nature Notes is a video podcast series that tells unique stories about the natural and human history of Yosemite National Park. Produced by the National Park Service, this series features park rangers, scientists, historians and park visitors as they discuss the diverse plants and animals that make Yosemite their home, as…
Fall is time for dividing iris, planting and sowing wildflower seeds… Bearded Iris Growing Tips Spring-flowering bulbs thrive in full or partial sun. Good drainage is important for most bulbs, so avoid placing them in soggy areas and in low-lying parts of the garden where water pools during wet winters and spring thaw. Dig a…
Objective: Fall planting Ca Natives,…and to have fun! Each October, on my birthday weekend, a favorite nursery plans it’s annual celebration and harvest festival. I’m so flattered! But really, since Fall is the best time to plant here in the foothills, I go to this event for fun and also with an objective. The objective…
Besides, talking bee and butterfly plants and using less pesticides at the last Garden Workshop in Oakhurst the other Sunday, I demonstrated how to make a garden apron from Tractor Man’s old jeans,… …in two minutes! It’s easy to make a garden apron from an old pair of jeans. You just need to know how…
Part 1-The whys and hows Working along with nature Instead of planting in the Spring and having to water your plants all through the Summer, why not rely on Nature to water them for you? Planting in the Fall, providing water just at the start, will allow the plants to establish deep roots before the…
Looking into the Sierra Foothill’s past Generations ago —women would gather at these spots to grind their acorn meats. “That’s where they would go get to work. That’s their kitchen — they would keep that very clean,” “You’ll find different holes at different depths. Traditionally, they like a shallower hole to pound the acorn flour.…
