How to Be the Evil Master Gardener on the Block

Every once in a while, I like to put a little satire and sarcasm in my articles just to keep it fresh and exciting, so enjoy. Let’s face it, we are all trying to keep up with the Jones’ next door, whether it’s getting a better car, having your kid beat their kid in football and even having … [Read more...]

Creating a Low Maintenance Landscape

When I look at my backyard, I see an untouched canvas ripe with landscaping possibilities. I have it all planned out in my head. There's a winding path, bright flowers, decorative shrubs and maybe even a koi pond with a bench where I can sit and read a book. What keeps me from doing it? Fear. There's … [Read more...]

Tree Diseases: Plants Can Get Sick Too

As a child, I remember beautiful elm trees in our farm. They were tall and majestic and served as "base" for hide and seek and other child hood games. One year, I noticed the leaves on one of the trees was kind of browning, but didn't think anything of it. Within two years, all the elm trees were dead … [Read more...]

Eco Tips for Summer: Reducing Yard Energy Costs

Hi all!  I hope you had a great weekend.  It was pretty hot out here in Southern California. Lots of people threw pool parties, and people had to water their gardens more than usual. Which gets into our topic today - the second part of our Eco Tips for Summer series - how to be more environmentally … [Read more...]

How to Compost: Tips & Instructions

There are lots of ways to be eco-friendly, as we have talked about quite a few times. Composting is particularly good for all gardeners out there because not only does it reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, it gives you a remarkably great topsoil for your garden. The waster from your garden … [Read more...]

Xeriscaping: Green Your Garden

If you are like most Americans, Your lawn and garden is the source of most of your water usage.  If you want to reduce your usage, then you need to take a look at what you are putting in your garden. Plants that use less water can be every bit as pretty (often even prettier if you ask me - there is … [Read more...]

Get Started Gardening

In the words of Voltaire, let us cultivate our garden. Spring is here, and its getting to the right time to plant your garden veggies for summer noshing. No matter where you live in the northern hemisphere, there is something you should be doing right now. Some plants, like melons, do very well … [Read more...]

Secret to Great Food? Fresh Herbs of Course!

The key to all great cooking is the freshest ingredients! So why not grow your own herbs on your kitchen counter top? This Italian Herb Garden that is sold exclusively at Red Envelope features basil, oregano and chives. It would make a delicious gift for friends and family who would appreciate the use … [Read more...]

This Week in Home & Garden

Unfortunately, a lot of the new design from South Africa does not have a web presence, and so those of us not fortunate enough to live close by will have to do without. Not so with the Willowlamp ... find out more at 2Modern Design Talk. The interesting thing about this bed is that unlike it's competitors … [Read more...]

Why Do Leaves Fall Off a Tree?

So recently a colleague of mine came by for a visit. By visit I mean he walked by my desk and decided to hover and talk for a bit. He said while he enjoys my blog immensely, (these are his words, not mine.. ha,ha) that I should post more about gardens and gardening. Well never let it be said that … [Read more...]