Spring has sprung, and the copious rains we received this past winter and early spring are showing themselves in the lush growth of grass, trees, shrubs and (dramatic pause) mosquitoes. I don’t know about your yard/garden/place, but I have to either slather myself with mosquito repellent or wear some netting before stepping outside, especially early […]
Down and Dirty
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Pruning Lessons, Tools and Warnings
As I write this, it’s overcast, drizzling and freaking cold. Quite a change from the day before, which was 66 degrees and sunny. Welcome to winter in Humboldt. I’m sure we’re all grateful for the break in the endless rain that occurred in late December and early January. I know I am, as it’s a […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
The Pests of Fall
As the prime garden season winds down, you might think you wouldn’t have to deal with pests in the garden. You would be wrong. Especially after that unexpected rainfall we had a few weeks ago. Do you know what lots of rain followed by warm weather means? Yes, mosquitoes! Just when all the rain gutters, […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Summer Survival in the Garden
Well, we survived the first major heat wave of the year, or at least my garden did — barely. And I’m on the coast. Inland, it was a whole different story. I hope all your crops and ornamental plants survived. Because this likely isn’t a “one and done” event, here are some tips to keep […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Working it Out in the Garden
Now that it’s January, did you make any New Year’s resolutions? Yes? How’s that working out for you? No? Good job. The older I get, the more I learn that making resolutions only sets me up for failure. Oh, I try and manage to have a few goals with the turning of the calendar, but […]
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Winter Planting for Future Color
Now that a real rainy season has returned to Humboldt County, it’s time to think about the new gardening year. Winter is nearly here, and while the days can be gray and dreary, there’s still plenty of color to admire in the landscape. As I drive around town, I notice the trees that still have […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Equinoctial To-Do and Native Plants
As we approach the autumnal equinox, there are plenty of things to do in your garden. Sure, the calendar says that summer is coming to an end, but we often get some of the nicest and warmest weather in September and October here on the coast. What things should you think about as the days […]
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Gardening in the Gloom
If you’re a gardener, you’re probably wondering what in the ever-living gahhh is going on with the weather this year. First, we had unending rain, then the rain stopped. Sort of. Then it came back. Then it went away. But wait! The overcast skies moved in after that. Lots and lots of overcast skies or […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Rainy Day Gardening
Talk to any gardener or farmer in your life about how things are going now that it’s spring, and you’ll probably garner a wistful sigh, followed by them looking dejectedly at the long-term forecast, which seems to be a wet Groundhog Day time loop. Look! Some sun! Oh, oops, just kidding. Rain. Then showers, then […]
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Bare Root Time
If you’ve been to a local nursery lately, you’ve probably noticed a bunch of boxed stick-like things in sand or soil. Bare root tree/berry season is finally here. Why buy bare root instead of trees or items in pots? First, it’s usually cheaper. Second, they tend to have a wider variety of bare root than […]
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Plant Porn
Now that the ball has dropped, the hangovers have ceased, and the calendar page has turned, it’s time to make those New Year’s resolutions. No, not exercise or eating healthier, though you can do those things if you want. No, I’m talking about your New Year’s garden resolutions! Did you grow anything in your garden […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Gardening for Caterpillars?
Here’s some good news for gardeners who are concerned about the environment: We can make an important, positive impact by the plant choices we make in our gardens. How do you choose plants? I remember that when I started gardening, I wanted flowers, flowers and more flowers, lots of color and fragrance. I think for […]