Lights out due to power outage? When the lights go out in the house, lifestyles are disrupted on many levels. Checklists abound of things to do to prepare for power outages as well as what to do after. But where is the list on power outage affecting our garden? Surely there must be a mistake … Continue reading Lights Out?
The quiet pitter-patter sound of raindrops seeped into my dream state. The gentle rhythm carried along a magical fragrance in the air that only can be experienced with rain. In my half- dream state, my brain registered that it surely must be the irrigation system. It had to be close enough to five in the … Continue reading Autumn Rain
After a time of flitting about British Columbia, then returning long enough to take off to the coast of California, I finally came home to roost and write. The general consensus of these trips is to declare the beauty found within our land. My annual fly fishing trip just north of Kamloops, BC always includes … Continue reading Beauty Abounds
There is no question about it. I am a certified - card carrying - plant junkie. If such a club or organization existed, my name would be right at the top. Plants seem to find their way into my care if I need them or not. I just can't resist! Often I wonder if this … Continue reading Plant Junkie
Garlic from the Feil's Idaho garden Last week found me traveling to visit some dear friends living in Idaho. The perfect weather enabled me to soak in the vast open landscapes found in eastern Oregon. As I drove through little farming towns along the way, I noted the flag of our country flying from almost … Continue reading More than Potatoes
When speaking of such things as mycorrhizae , Philadelphus lewisii or even evapo-transpiration, it seems to mean little to those not familiar with the world of soils, plants and water. As a result, using big non-descriptive words can fail to relate to the essence of good plant growth that those same gardeners may instinctively know … Continue reading Big Words
June spells out preparing for celebrations for many of us. Typically it comes in the form of birthdays, graduations and weddings. This June is no exception for yours truly that included birthdays for two older grandchildren and graduation for the twins - the youngest of my grandchildren that live in Bend, OR. Refreshing mulch … Continue reading Beyond My Garden Gate
The movement caught my eye as something lumbered over the blades of tall grass felled by the orange whips of the weed eater. The release of the weed eater handle stopped the engine from it's continued path for this was a creature I was happy to see. There was my old buddy, Mr. Toad. It … Continue reading Ribit
The Poppies of Tuscany There seems to be some confusion about this week's holiday and what is to be remembered or to be thankful for. Plus, it seems the more I read, even the flower representing this holiday was a mystery. With that being said, let's clarify the dates. Memorial Day itself is always held … Continue reading Who is Confused?
Hillside planting has to be one of the most challenging types of landscaping for so many reasons including erosion, keeping water directed to the root system of plants without runoff, and providing decent soil for the roots to take hold in during initial planting. Just describing issues around hillside planting finds me exhausted! With that … Continue reading Hilly Challenges
