Like many of you, I got my passion for gardening from working and playing in my mother’s garden. . I received an education in art, design and photography at Cypress College in Southern California and had a long career as a wedding photographer there.
In 2000, Tractor Man and I surprised ourselves and bought property in a mountain community where we vacationed for 12 years. After five years of ‘camping’ here, I now work and play, tending two of seven acres near the Sierra National Forest, while acting as the Madera County Gardening Examiner.
Impressed by the natural beauty and many community events here, I enthusiastically research gardening in snow and deer country and am surprised and delighted every season by my new garden. My Corgi, Maggie, is my garden companion. I’ve only been writing this blog since summer of 2010, but enjoying it immensely…always thrilled to read comments! How fun! You may also email me at sierrafoothillgarden at gmail.com
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Hi Maggie--I am enjoying your web blog---my wife and I have a place at about 2900 feet near Somerset ca--have rolling hills oaks, pines, cedar--I’m becoming uncharacteristically more and more obsessed with the flora on my 15 acres. example--last summer I got out of bed at 7am and snuck out of the house to watch the sun rise on one of my meadows near the access road to my property --I stared at the most recent crop of STAR THISTLE--and promptly went back to the house--got 10 garbage bags and hand pulled that Australian (or wherever) foreigner out of my meadow---I filled up the trunk of my car and drove with it back to Walnut Creek where I put it in the Green garbage can. Amazing how GOOD I felt. Anyway I am looking to plant NATIVE wildflowers at my place in the foothills and from time to time --when I am not acting as a busy lawyer and family man, look forward to interacting with you for advice etc....you are way ahead of me on development of gardens--but you have inspired me—and thought I’d let you know--best to you in this late WINTER we seem to be having--I actually love it--I hide from the blistering heat--probably my Saxon /Scottish genes--best--Ron
Hey Ron, I just found this site. We are selling property we have in Somerset to move closer "in town" to Pollock Pines. We also have a home in Grizzly Flats! Got to love this area. Do you have any pictures of how your gardening efforts are coming along? Thanks, Kathy
Hi Ron, yes we fight poison oak in the same way. Have to make it safe for kids running around. Wildflowers are better! I'll have to look up where Somerset is.
Hi Sue, great to see you are a fellow traveler from Southern California who remembers "H" bees and do you remember eating "Sour grass?" I now live in Thousand Oaks and I have never seen an "H" bee. I had not see any where we used to live in Brea, CA. Where are H bees found now?
-Narda
Hi Narda, thanks for visiting my blog. I'm not sure where the H bees are besides in my garden in summer. I was glad to see them again! From what the entomologist said, they are found many places,...it's just a few that know them as H bees. I think you have to be a child.
Hi Sue,
I read Dave's Garden and I noticed your comment about Eriodictyon crassifolium. I have been looking for it for a couple of years. I would be HAPPY to pay all costs to have you ship me some for my garden. It grows here in seeps, but i cannot find it in a nursery to start for my home garden. I live in La Mesa, CA. Please let me know if you are willing to do this.
Best,
Sharon
DO you still have classes at a nursery or somewhere?
Hi Beth, yes, once a month workshops,...I'll add your email to our list. I send out notice about two weeks beforehand. Sue
Hi,
Enjoying your blog very much but all of a sudden it is filled with Google ads which detracts from the lovely photos! Did I catch a cookie or are others getting swamped by Google ads too?
Take care,
Debbie
I love your site and love monarchs.
Are you still active with butterflies?
I am from Yosemite but now live in North Fork
Hello Sue,
I am a Realtor in Auburn CA and have a monthly newsletter that goes out to about 300 of my clients. I would like to get your approval to link one of your articles on drought tolerant plants in my Newsletter for this May. I will send out the newsletter on Tuesday April 28th.
I enjoy your site and think my clients will also.
Thank you in advance!
It there is ever anything I can do for you in my area of the foothills, please let me know!
Best Regards
Denice Williams
Lyon RE
denicewilliams.com
Hi Sue - I hope you have some advise... I have CA Fushia that without fail has bloomed, spread and gone crazy..I think it was planted in the garden by the previous owner and we have had the house 15 years so far. But this year it is not doing very well... as a matter of fact the tips of the plants look as if they are drying out and dying. Not sure what to do or what the matter is. We are south facing, with afternoon shade & at 4250 elevation. I use a drip system and do 15 minutes every 3rd day. I am stumped. any ideas???
Hello Sue, I have recently moved to Mariposa (part-time resident), and am starting to lay down a garden. I would love to consult with you, if you have the time. Also, could you please include me in your email list for the monthly workshops? I'm looking forward to the Fall planting season! Thank you. Vinita