Hopefully these cold mornings will be a thing of the past by the time you read this. My plants were much happier right after the rainsI when nights were mild. ’m waiting patiently for the buds on my pink flowering currant to start showing color. I saw some recently in Felton that were already opening. … Continue reading The February Garden
Because of all the power outages recently, I’ve needed to set up a portable propane heater as well as start a fire in the fireplace to keep warm. I know even with ventilation there are lots of potential pollutants that have found their way into my home. For most of a winter day, our homes … Continue reading Plants that Fight Indoor Pollution
We all have traditions that we look forward to every year during the holidays. For some it’s the annual trip to the Christmas tree farm. For others it’s planning a holiday get together with friends and family. While decorating my tree this year I thought of Christmas past and family members who are gone but … Continue reading Tracing Our Holiday Traditions
Once upon a time when our area was under waterthere were no parks or trails or trees or gardens.I’m thankful that our mountains rose from an ancient oceanso we could enjoy this beautiful place we call home. I’m thankful for the Bigleaf maplesthat shower me with leaves as big as saucersas I walk in Henry … Continue reading A Poem of Thanksgiving by Jan Nelson, The Mountain Gardener
The CZU Fire destroyed more than 86,000 acres and 1490 buildings including 911 homes. It destroyed a lot of our horticultural history, too. I have driven up Jamison Creek Road and Alba Road many times since the fire. Empire Grade through Bonny Doon was a magnificent drive past huge redwoods, oaks and Crest Ranch Christmas … Continue reading Our Horticultural Heritage
I used to have over 300 containers. Then I whittled them down to 200. The fire took care of that but I saved a bunch by cutting away burned roots, replacing melted pots and giving the survivors some TLC. I consider them pets now given all the care I have given them over the past … Continue reading Planting Tips for Containers