My neighbor Jay is a smart guy. He reads the newspapers and has been following how the severity of the drought is affecting our state. He finally said, “It’s time. I’m getting rid of my lawn.” He didn’t tell me anything, but one day I walked out my front door and he had workers digging in his front yard. The lawn had been pulled up and the yard was filled with workers, wheelbarrows, and upturned dirt. It’s not a large front yard, but it had grass … [Read more...]
Los Angeles Gardening Tips: March Garden To-Do List
Much of the country still has patches of snow on the ground, but in Southern California spring is here. Nothing says "spring" quite like the first blush of peach blossoms. In my own backyard, an unnamed variety given to me by a friend several years ago is well under way, and with frequent visits from my local bees, a good crop is promised come summer. Before I can enjoy the fruits of nature’s labors there is plenty to be done, as March is the … [Read more...]
5 Tips to Conserve Water in Your Garden and Landscaping
Water is a precious commodity – and its conservation is crucial here in Southern California. Most Californians agree that water shortage is a serious problem, especially as we enter our fourth year of drought. Rainfall in our mountain ranges has been consistently below average, leaving our reservoirs at critically low levels. All of this led our governor, Jerry Brown, to call on Californians to reduce their water usage by twenty percent. Recent … [Read more...]
Los Angeles Gardening Tips: February Garden To-Do List
For much of North America, February is a dreary, cold month that occasionally surprises with a mid-month thaw, teasing of warmer days to come . . . only to suddenly turn an icy shoulder and freeze any hopes that spring would be arriving soon. This isn't so if you live in sunny SoCal in February! However, despite appearances, it is still winter and your garden should be treated accordingly. Cold snaps can still occur and most plants are growing … [Read more...]
Learn About Sustainable Gardening at Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase Tour
The 5th Annual Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase Tour was held on Saturday April 20 and was once again a huge success. With Southern California's ongoing drought problems, sustainable gardening is becoming more and more important. This year’s tour showcased 98 gardens featuring drought resistant, sustainable gardens, chickens, aquaponic farming, and more. I had the pleasure of volunteering several hours at the tour’s Showcase Central and we … [Read more...]
