I get a lot of calls from homeowners who need help seeing their property through new eyes. Maybe they’ve lived there for a long time but the landscaping needs an update. Or maybe they’re just moving in and the landscaping has been neglected for a while. Whatever the reason, there are techniques I use to … Continue reading Express your Garden Style with Paths and Good Design
The big wind we experienced not long ago was just the beginning of the wild weather that is coming our way. Looking up at the trees violently swaying from one side to the other I wondered how they could survive such strong wind gusts. Not all of them do survive coming down and blocking driveways, … Continue reading Tree Pruning Tips
I started writing this column in October 2005. I remember the day the editor of the paper at that time gave me the go ahead and bestowed upon me the title, 'The Mountain Gardener'. I was so excited. I immediately started writing down every subject I could think of. In the world of horticulture there … Continue reading 400 Anniversary Column Memoirs
Without a doubt the most requested item I'm asked in the design process is to include low water use plants and solutions that are low maintenance. We live in the west where rainfall occurs predominantly from late fall through late spring in a good year and the amount and duration varies tremendously. Whether you live … Continue reading Sustainable Tips for the Landscape
In the spring we are surrounded by flowers of every color. It's our reward after the winter. My heart goes out to those gardeners in other parts of the country where snow still covers their perennial beds. The availability of winter sports only goes so far as consolation for all that white stuff. I've lived … Continue reading Spring Flowering Shrubs
There's no way around it. January may signal the start of the new year but most of our plants still have the day off. I need inspiration on these cold mornings when most of my plants are asleep. This is the time of year when it's doubly important to include plants in your garden that … Continue reading Native Plants for Winter Birds in the Santa Cruz Mts.