Sierra Foothills

Mule’s ear and Farewell to Spring

Roadside treasures worth  stopping for In the first week of July in the Sierra foothills of California, you believe that…

6 years ago

Iridescent Iris in Sierra foothill garden

Iris time! Iris are a Sierra foothill gardener's best friend in Spring because of the easy care and reliable beauty.…

7 years ago

Enjoying Winter gardening in the foothills

Winter chores and pleasures! It’s sunny and 70º as I write this and it’s a reminder that our winter weather…

7 years ago

California Bush Anemone!

Happy discovery! On Crane Valley Rd (221), just north of Manzanita Lake Rd,(222) going toward Bass Lake, I discovered something…

7 years ago

Deer-resistant low growers for the Sierra foothills

27 favorite 'ground covers' Growing plants that 'cover the ground' means you have something to plant in the front of a…

8 years ago

Fall color in the garden: A gallery

I was able to show photos  as I gave a talk today on Fall Color at the Oakhurst Library.  For…

8 years ago

Year-round hummingbirds of the Sierra foothills

Attracting Hummingbirds to the garden... Plant a hummingbird garden and they will come!  Lure them right into your own garden with a…

8 years ago

Lessons from the 2015 Willow Fire

The Week that Was: My story of the 2015 Willow Fire I heard the news online and called my husband,…

8 years ago

Discover Hummingbird Mint

A plant I'd love to see in local nurseries... Considering their long-lasting vibrant blooms, hardiness and resistance to drought, deer, extreme temps,…

8 years ago

Spring discoveries: Two new natives

Orange you glad to find two new CA natives in the garden? Yes, I am! A new bird and a new…

9 years ago

Penstemons, perfect foothill flower

Beautiful Beard Tongue As I stroll through the garden, my attention is drawn to how well adapted Beard Tongue or Penstemons are…

9 years ago

Growing Iris, Planting bulbs and sowing wildflowers

Fall is time for dividing iris, planting and sowing wildflower seeds... Bearded Iris Growing Tips Spring-flowering bulbs thrive in full…

9 years ago

Grinding holes in the Sierra Foothills

Looking into the Sierra Foothill's past Generations ago —women would gather at these spots to grind their acorn meats. “That’s…

9 years ago

Last day of June in the garden

What I'm REALLY doing in the garden...last day of June I just came in from an hour out in the…

9 years ago

‘First week of June’ gardening day

Just came in from the garden,...perfect day to be out there, especially with my camera. There was really nice, even…

9 years ago

Spring wildflowers: The blues

Driving the foothills: Stopping and turning around.... We had to stop and turn around to photograph this field of Lupine,…

10 years ago

The colors of Autumn in the Sierra foothill garden…

October in the foothill garden Walking around the garden here in the foothills of Central California, I feel we're really…

10 years ago

Heat-proof your Sierra foothill garden

In our third year of drought in the Sierra foothills, we search for ways to allow our gardens to survive.  …

10 years ago