Blooms and Bees

What to do with this mess?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:51:00 +0000

So, I've been at a loss this summer, which is why no recent posts. We moved into our new place, which has zero landscaping and many challenges - even for an experienced gardener! Our house is backed into a hill. The backyard is all concrete and currently resembles a prison yard (no, really... minus the basketball hoop). The biggest issue is the side of the house (see photo). The lot next to us is undeveloped, and the dirt is constantly filling the drain on the side of our house, creating numerous muddy problems. The major challenge here is that we only own about 6 inches of the dirt to the right of the drain, so we are very limited on options to resolve the problem. Some kind of ground cover? A retaining wall? A hedge? I am reaching out to you guys to see if you have any brilliant suggestions? Please post them. Brainstorming now open. :)

Goodbye to a Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:48:00 +0000

I'm nearly fully recovered from the shoulder drama of last year, and my garden is looking better than ever. So, it's ironic that now that I'm back up and running we've sold our house and will be moving in March to a new place. I'll miss what I've created here terribly, but I know the new family will love it just as much (I made sure of it! ;) ), and I look forward to starting all over again at the new home! Stay tuned for photos of the new space, which is a beautiful blank canvas with a lovely hillside and mountain views. I'm looking forward to the new challenge! Have you had experience creating a hillside garden? Share some of your tips here - would love to hear them!

A Garden Without a Gardener

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:01:00 +0000

I'm finally getting back in the garden again after a long absence. Apologies for the lengthy time without a new post. I appreciate all those who have been visiting and leaving comments. In late January (just before the good gardening weather hits California), I came down with a condition called frozen shoulder. It hit suddenly and for no reason, and literally left me without the use of my left arm for several months. After an extensive surgery and long recovery, I'm finally getting back out into the garden. I've come to believe that these random things in life happen for a reason, so I am thankful for the experience. It has left me with a new outlook on a great number of things. One of those things (here comes the funny part), is that it made me realize my garden (and many other things) are fine without my constant attention. In fact, the borders are looking better than ever this year without my usual fussing, digging, planting, relocating, and pruning. I'm lucky to have a husband who took over dead heading and some of the basic trimming (and, out of all this, he's learned the joy of spending time tending to the garden), but overall, it required little to no work this year to look as beautiful as ever. I watched some of the plants that had been struggling for so long suddenly take off and bloom. I noticed how plants that I always thought would crowd each other without constant pruning grew to live side by side in harmony, without so much as a snip. The growth and beauty in my garden has been a great comfort to me during these months of healing. It was one less thing that I felt was falling apart. I would go out many mornings after sleepless nights (a torn up shoulder feels like you've been hit by a bus, and so does trying to go to sleep with it), with my coffee in hand, and just sit to enjoy the peace and the butterflies. As I think about it now, maybe this year I was not meant to be constantly picking, pruning, and fussing over every detail. Maybe all my garden needed to flourish and shine was a little breathing room. We all need this at different times in our lives. And, just maybe, this was my garden's opportunity to take care of me for a change.

Squirrels in the Garden - Winter Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:42:00 +0000

This time if year, many of my neighbors gray squirrels in their yards, teasing their dogs and chasing each other around the bare tree branches. Some love the crafty little visitors, and some really wish they would go away.

Here are some tips for living with (and enjoying) these cute critters. They are beneficial to nature in many ways, and enjoying their big personalities can be fun.

-- Feeding Squirrels: It's okay to feed them occasionally. They enjoy unsalted peanuts, which you can buy at many bird supply stores (such as Wild Birds Unlimited). They also like sunflower seed and corn.

-- Providing them with their own supply of goodies can actually help keep them away from your bird feeders.

-- Don't feed them by hand, as it's not healthy for the squirrel to become to friendly with humans.

-- You can also put out houses for the squirrels, which can also be found at wild bird stores.

For more on squirrels, pick up a copy of the Bird Watcher's Digest booklet on "Enjoying Squirrels" at their website, Birdwatchersdigest.com.

Gardens Welcome Rain to Southern California - Special Thanks to Country Almanac

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 07:49:00 +0000

It's been a good start to the New Year, with plenty of much needed rain to Southern California, nourishing gardens, wetlands, and wildlife that have been parched for the past year. My citrus trees will enjoy a deep soak, as will all the trees in my neighborhood that rely on the rain alone (a gamble in this climate).

When the rain passes, it will be time to clean out my vegetable garden and amend the soil in the raised beds to prepare for a crop of cool season veggies. I'm looking forward to fresh spinach, onions, squash, and carrots.

I'd like to say thanks to Country Almanac's Small Room Decorating magazine, which features my vegetable garden in the new issue (on stands now through the end of February), discussing how growing up (using a variety of supports) is a great way to maximize productivity in a small space garden.

For those who live in warmer zones, may your winter gardening be rewarding and successful. Let us know what you're growing in the comments below. For those in cooler climates, try growing herbs in the kitchen window, ordering organic seeds from your favorite catalogue for spring planting, or growing fresh sprouts in a jar (super healthy!). Happy 2008 to all.

GO GREEN IN YOUR GARDEN FOR THE NEW YEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:38:00 +0000

With the new year approaching, most gardeners already have spring on their minds. What new plants to try, what veggies will do well again, and all things that involve warm days, a sun hat, and a trowel. The new year is time for fresh starts, so it's a great time to think about changing things up a bit to make your garden even better for the environment. If you haven't tried composting, give it a whirl. If you haven't tried home-made concoctions for pest and disease control - whip some up in your kitchen and see how rewarding it can be. Below are some tips to get you started, courtesy of the Society for Environmentally Responsible Gardening.

TIPS FOR GOING GREENER IN YOUR GARDEN

* Incorporate used or recycled furniture in your designs. Aged wood furniture is especially attractive and can be found on sources like Craig's List. Vintage patio sets can be found at flea markets and antique shops. Benches can be crafted from old fences or gates.
* Avoid all chemicals. There are natural remedies for every garden problem.
* Attract natural predators that will help control pests. Attracting birds and beneficial insects by including habitat for them in your landscape will greatly reduce your population of aphids, snails, and other pests.
* Include native plants in your design. They are generally disease free, use little water, and help attract beneficial wildlife.
* Avoid invasive plants that can spread seeds and take over natural landscapes in your area. Check with your local university or county extension office for a list of plants in your area that are considered invasive.
* Use recycled materials in your landscape - bender board and edging made of recycled plastics are readily available at home centers, and bricks, stone, and broken concrete can be found for free through construction sites or in classified ads.
* Install a drip irrigation system to water borders and beds.
* Reduce or eliminate the lawn in your landscape. Try pea gravel, a native plant garden, or crushed granite in its place. If you have a lawn, make sure you water efficiently and use organic fertilizers.
* Use a rain barrel or other water collecting system to collect rainwater and use it in the landscape.
* Install solar heating systems for swimming pools and look for pool care products that are alternatives to harsh chemicals.
* Plant deciduous trees near the home to help keep the structure cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
* Compost!

Goodbye House & Garden Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:57:00 +0000

I came back from my recent vacation in Hawaii (more on that later!) to learn that the December issue of House & Garden, which was a shining light in my huge stack of mail, would be the last. This is truly sad news to those of us who have enjoyed the magazine for so many years, looking to its pages for great design coverage, along with home and garden ideas. I will miss the monthly letters from editor Dominique Browning, and hope she lands at the top of another publication soon (we all know there are a few that could really use her!). I still have the issue, unopened, sitting on my desk. I know I'll feel sad when I turn to the last page, and like most of us, I tend to avoid things that do this. I can only imagine how the staff at this quality publication felt when they learned of their fate. I wish them all the best. House & Garden will be missed.

Great to See: The Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:41:00 +0000

I haven't been writing much lately, but I've had a pretty good reason. I spent the last month designing and installing a display garden for the 2007 Beverly Hills Garden & Design Showcase at the Historic Greystone Estate. Several talented landscape designers and interior designers have designed spaces for the event. My challenge was to create an Earth & wildlife friendly garden room in two empty parking spaces. The garden I created features California native plants, water wise plants , and other plants that are beneficial to local wildlife. Hummingbirds, reptiles, and native bees have already discovered this new little corner of the estate. If you live in Southern California, it's worth visiting this great event. The garden portion of the event runs through November 4th, while the interior portion will continue through the 11th. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the mansion, which is spectacular. It's also worth mentioning that this space is certified as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. To find out how to certify your garden, visit www.nwf.org/backyard. I'll post more photos of even more of the gardens next week.

A Hot Day Garden Reminder

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 23:23:00 +0000

Welcome to September...my absolute favorite month of the year. The weather in Southern California is the most beautiful this month, without fail. Breezes fill the afternoons, and long days in the garden end with barbeques and salads topped with homegrown tomatoes.

This year will surely be just as wonderful, but maybe not for all. The drought conditions in several places around the world, including Southern California, are causing dire conditions for wildlife.

So, I thought it would be appropriate to start the month off with a little reminder for gardeners to keep a fresh water supply in the garden for birds, bees, and other critters who are in desperate need. The local bees frequent a concrete birdbath in my rose garden (pictured), and this summer there are often several dozen buzzing around it. The birds don't miss out - it's almost as if they take turns with the bees. I also keep a saucer of water lower to the ground near my pool for squirrels and possums that pass through. In addition, I've also reduced the water my garden uses by installing drip systems and more drought-tolerant plants (many fall bloomers are).

Just when I thought September couldn't possibly get better, knowing that a little extra effort can make such a difference adds even more to the end-of-summer bliss.

Great Garden Plant Spotlight: Butterfly Bush

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 00:16:00 +0000

Every now and then I like to write about a plant that I feel is special enough to deserve its own chance in the spotlight. Recently, I wrote about plumbago, one of my all time favorites for its profuse blooms and great color. Another of my all-time favorites is buddleia, or Butterfly Bush. I’ve grown several from tiny cuttings to huge (over 10 feet tall), healthy, beautiful plants that bring so much wildlife to the garden it’s almost hard to believe. Butterflies I’ve never before seen in my area have appeared, and hummingbirds are regular visitors to the sweet-smelling flowers. The one in my front garden is constantly covered with happy little skipper butterflies (left) who are so enamored by the nectar that they don’t fly away even when I walk within inches of them. The blooms are wonderfully fragrant and are a joy to take in your hand and inhale the scent – just be careful, as the bees like it too. Butterfly bush comes in several shades, grows in zones 4 – 10, and can be found at most major nurseries or by mail order.

Green Thumb Sunday - Garden Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:15:00 +0000

On a perfect, breezy summer Sunday like today, I stand in the center of my garden and can't help but feel tremendous gratitude. For every butterfly, tomato, flower, ladybug, and rose... for every weed, every seed, and every moment. I feel very fortunate to have such a love for nature, and to have such a passion for gardening and creating beautiful spaces. As busy as we all are in this too-much-information age, it's easy to miss out on just simply feeling the joy of gratitude, and the peaceful excitement that comes along with a warm summer weekend, endless possibilities, and hours ahead to spend under the sun.

I admit, I had to drag myself inside to write this post, but I am happy to share these little thoughts, and hope that other gardeners are enjoying such a wonderful season too.

Tonight, we'll grill some fish from Whole Foods Market, steam the last of the carrots from the kitchen garden, and enjoy a bottle of great red table wine from a recent trip to Foxen Vinyard, a charming winery located in California's Central Coast wine region. If you've never visited the Santa Ynez wine country in Santa Barbara county, I highly recommend it. I expect the fish, the carrots and the wine to be the perfect end to a perfect day.

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Garden Signs We Can All Use

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 22:04:00 +0000

In honor of Colleen's recent funny and honest "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" posts at In the Garden Online, I thought I would share a couple of cute stone plant signs I picked up at a flea market recently. Signs that all gardeners can relate to! Since we all occasionally experience the death of a prized plant, or overgrowth of some crazy plant that we thought we would have the energy and time to prune constantly (only to have it take over a bed), a little humor goes a long way. The shocking Los Angeles area freeze earlier this year took out my beautiful morning glories that covered a fence near my pool. They ended up completely dead and ratty looking, which was so sad. I pulled them all out and replaced them with jasmine, which has yet to grow in. Since then, I am constantly battling morning glory seedlings. I've planted a few in pots, but I have no need for morning glories coming out of my ears. Also caught in the freak freeze was beautiful ice cream banana tree, which before this tragedy was taller than I am. The tree has come back to life, but is now 3 feet tall and looks awkward in the bed. If I'm lucky, I'll at least get some bananas from it next year. I did triumph this year with a warm-climate lilac bush, which I planted 3 seasons ago. The first two seasons it was a sad looking mass of sticks and buds that weren't turning into leaves, but I refused to give up. My local garden center even told me to bring the pathetic thing back and they would give me a shiny new one, but I refused to give up on it. After much pampering, it finally took off this summer and is full, green and beautiful. I hope to have sweet-smelling blossoms next spring.

Roses That Celebrate Your Entertainment Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:12:00 +0000

Why not have some fun in the garden and add a rose (or three) named after your favorite entertainment icon (Betty Boop is pictured in full bloom at the left). There are roses named after just about every major celebrity you can think of, including Barbara Streisand, Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, Julia Child, George Burns, LeAnn Rimes, and more. There is even an Oprah rose in the works. Try searching online to locate roses named for your favorites. Weeks Roses carries several, along with Star Roses. You can also check with the American Rose Society.

A Gardener Recommends: Bees Please! Country Bee Products Bring Smiles

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 00:15:00 +0000

Recently I was introduced to "Country Bee", a new line of adorable natural products made with beeswax and honey from a family-owned Michigan bee farm. The Country Bee line includes a large array of adorable, wonderfully scented soaps, "Smooch" lip balms, rich lotions, candles, and natural "HiveKeeping" products such as wood polish. Wood polish with beeswax and no chemicals? Sign me up! The custom cedar soap dishes are perfectly sized for Country Bee's sweet little handmade soaps, and are an ideal fit to sit on the kitchen counter or on a potting bench next to the garden hose. "Country Bee" was founded in a farmhouse basement by a family seeking a self sustainable lifestyle. The world needs more companies that combine sustainability, great natural products, and a sense of humor. Go Country Bee! Visit them (be sure to read "The Country Bee Story" while you're there!) and order products at www.countrybeesoaps.com.

Yves Piaget Roses Perfume the Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 22:03:00 +0000

By far my favorite roses in the garden, and there are many, are the sweet smelling Yves Piaget roses, which bloom profusely from early spring all the way into November. The scent of these beauties is something you just have to experience. They are fragrant enough to enjoy from several feet away or while strolling by them in the garden. This ironstone vase (left), filled with Yves Piaget blooms cut from my garden, perfumes the entire kitchen and living area. In addition to the wonderful scent, the blooms are huge, very double, bursts of pink color. I care for mine using organic techniques, without chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. You can locate Yves Piaget roses in your area by visiting Star Roses.

TreeHugger's New Green Your Gardening Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:20:00 +0000

Our friends at TreeHugger.com have posted a new addition to their great guides on how to go green - How to Green Your Gardening. I encourage everyone to check it out and see what you can do to green up your garden even more. One of my favorite tips is to re-use food jars (jelly jars, olive jars and the like) to store seeds and organic fertilizer. Taking the organic fertilizers out of their cardboard boxes and keeping it in the jars keeps it from clumping up from moisture in the air. I also use them to store bird seed and anything else I don't want getting wet in my work area. You can get more great tips by checking out TreeHugger's Green Your Gardening Guide.

Enter the "Greener Gardens" Contest and Help Promote Earth-Friendly Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:46:00 +0000

The Society for Environmentally Responsible Gardening (SERG) has launched a “Greener Gardens” contest, calling for submissions of unique ideas to make gardens and landscapes greener. Winning suggestions will be posted on the SERG “Green Ideas” page, and included in the upcoming “Green Garden News” newsletter. SERG is an organization (launched this year) dedicated to promoting Earth-Friendly, responsible methods in all areas of gardening, including landscape design, landscape architecture, the garden product industry, and home gardening. The goal is to help increase awareness and advance efforts to preserve natural resources, landscapes and habitats, and to promote the importance of organic methods, conservation, and sustainability. Membership to the society is free. They also have a newsletter which lists blogs of new members, and will post blog links to the resources page. http://www.sergonline.org/.

What's Blooming on California Beaches

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 18:13:00 +0000

Last week I took a trip up the Central Coast of California (one of the most beautiful places in the world, in my opinion). While taking a walk early in the morning on Ventura Beach, I noticed a spot where gutter water runs off through a pipe from a nearby neighborhood, onto the beach and into the ocean. While I am not a fan of this, with all the chemicals people dump thoughtlessly into gutters, I was surprised to find an unexpected benefit in this particular spot. Where the water runs onto the sand is a lovely, random garden growing from seeds that washed down the gutters and landed in the sand. A colorful bed of nasturtium, radish, alyssum, and various other plants and wildflowers lights up this section of the beach and supplies habitat for local insects and birds. Amazing that this garden could look so fabulous without any synthetic sprays, pesticides, or fertilizers... not even a gardener to care for it. Imagine that.

Attracting Hummingbirds With Non-Toxic Nectar

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:47:00 +0000

Some call hummingbirds nature's jewels. Many gardeners and homeowners work hard to attract them, either with plants the birds love or with hanging feeders. If you feed with a feeder, it's important to know that the commercially prepared nectar you find in the grocery store or pet shop is not healthy for them, and some experts even say it may be toxic. The good news is that the best nectar for the feeders can be made right in your kitchen - and at about a quarter of the cost (or less) of the commercial brands.

Here's the recipe: mix 1 part organic table sugar to 4 parts boiling water. Using a metal spoon (wood is porous and can't be sterilized), mix the nectar until it dissolves completely and let cool. Once it's cool, pour into your feeder. You can refrigerate any leftover for a refill, which should be done every 3 days (clean your feeder and replace nectar frequently to keep the birds safe and keep them coming back). It's that simple! Don't add any food coloring or anything else to the nectar - it's perfect as is. According to backyard bird feeding specialists Wild Birds Unlimited, this is the purest and safest nectar you can make. Hummingbirds also love plants such as lavender, fuchsia, cape honeysuckle, Mexican sage, and society garlic. So have fun feeding "nature's jewels", and you can feel good about doing it safely, and keeping them healthy and happy.

Green Thumb Sunday: Great Combinations

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 13:10:00 +0000

Now and then I'm impressed by how striking a combination becomes in the garden. As the plants bloom, they develop personalities and relationships. This combination in my mixed border includes iceberg roses and bright coreopsis, with lacy purple nemesia peeking through the two. This rose developed a problem with aphids and other insects. A garden friend of mine suggested to try adding some society garlic to the bed to help the problem. So I planted society garlic on each side of this rose bush, and it was not only beautiful, it did the trick. The rose has thrived since it's new neighbor moved in.

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Keeping Pets Safe in the Garden; 10 Most Common Toxic Plants

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 05:41:00 +0000

What's a garden without a dog? They can bring as much joy as the first blooms of spring, but how can you be sure they are safe in your garden? By avoiding toxic (and potentially deadly) plants or keeping them out of reach, you can be sure that your garden will be much friendlier for Fido, and less dangerous for Kitty too.

Using organic fertilizers and organic pest control methods will also help keep your garden safe for pets. Dogs love to eat fertilizer, so keep it out of reach and don't leave large amounts around the bottoms of plants or trees.

If your pet does get into a garden chemical, or you find him munching on a plant you believe may be toxic, you can call the ASPCA's 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. For a $55 fee (worth every cent), the vet on the other end of the line will let you know exactly what to expect and what to do. They will guide you through the exact steps to take and immediate care to give.

According to the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the plants listed below are the 10 most common toxic plants found in yards around the country.

Ten Most Common Poisonous Plants:

Courtesy of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center

Marijuana - Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.

Sago Palm - All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Lilies - Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs - The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron - Members of the Rhododendron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander - All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean - The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen - Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe - This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Yew - Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

If you have pets and these plants are in your garden, consider removing them or relocating them to a part of the garden where your pet doesn't go unsupervised. For more information, visit the ASPCA at www.aspca.org.

Brightening Borders with Plumbago

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 00:56:00 +0000

One of my favorite plants in the garden, plumbago puts on practically a non-stop show in Southern California from spring through early winter. It's hardy in zones 6 - 9. It works especially well as a background to a rose border, or with coreopsis and society garlic. I love plants that are hardy and easy to grow, and I especially love plants that can take some shade, and plumbago has all of these qualities. It makes an excellent ground cover, and I've even seen it climbing through dense evergreen trees. This is on the list of my 10 favorite plants in the garden. If you have average to poor soil and can't seem to get anything to grow in that one frustrating area of your garden, try plumbago. Start with a 5 gallon plant, as it will establish itself much better and the show will worth the extra few dollars. Learn more about plumbago at wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plumbago

An Earth-Friendly Pool and Garden for Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Sat, 26 May 2007 00:06:00 +0000

It's the holiday weekend and I'm looking forward to spending it by my pool after nearly a year of construction and planting an entirely new garden. We worked hard to incorporate many eco-friendly aspects into our new space, so I thought I would share some of them for anyone considering a new pool or other major renovation. This pool is heated with a solar heating system, which is helped by the dark color of the pool. We also reduced the depth. The original pool was 9 feet, which made it cold all the time - this pool is only 6 1/2 feet deep, which uses much less energy all together. The custom coping was made on site (rather than trucked in), and the open design of the flagstone paving lets water be absorbed to benefit the garden (rather than sending it all out to the street). The teak furniture comes from teak farms which limit harvest, reforest, and are responsibly managed. And, this furniture will last for years and years, therefore not ending up in a landfill (the destination of many cheap metal patio sets that rust and break after 2 years of use). I am also working on incorporating many native plants and drought tolerant plants into the landscape. The pool is also a saltwater system, which means I don't smell like something poisonous when I step out of it. Better for the skin, lungs, and the environment. Enjoy your holiday weekend! Be safe...and take time to smell the roses.

Growing Fabulous Carrots

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Tue, 22 May 2007 22:11:00 +0000

I must admit, when I was a kid, I really couldn't stand carrots. But, like many things we don't like or "get" when we're young, carrots have become one of my favorites. When prepared correctly (I like them steamed and then drenched with garlic, sea salt, and butter), they can be the center of attention on the spring dinner table.

When it comes to growing carrots, there are a few techniques I use to help ensure a nice harvest (the carrots to the left came from my kitchen garden last Saturday). First, I grow them in raised beds. This allows plenty of loose, well-drained soil for the carrots to grow to their full potential. In addition, I choose varieties that generally grow short and chubby. I water consistently and deeply to promote deeper growth. Carrots need regular watering for the best results. I also fertilize with fish emulsion once a week.

When it comes to planting, I choose organic seeds and spread them generously and randomly throughout the bed. Once they've sprouted, I do very little thinning. Unless two sprout so close together that it would be impossible for them both to grow, I just leave them. The hardest part of growing carrots for me is waiting for them to be ready for harvest. I always wait about 4 weeks longer than the seed package recommends. Those 4 extra weeks make a big difference. This year, I planted enough for several weeks' worth of harvest. We'll be eating carrots at my house every weekend through the end of June.

Growing Edibles in Small Spaces

noreply@blogger.com (Kristi) — Fri, 18 May 2007 02:20:00 +0000

I've received requests for additional photos of my vegetable garden, so I thought I'd post a new one, along with some tips for growing edibles in small spaces. My kitchen garden is tiny, about 20 x 15, but by making use of vertical structures, I am able to produce a large harvest of tomatoes, zucchini, grapes, cucumbers, radishes, carrots, herbs, and edible flowers. I also have two tiny dwarf citrus trees, providing juicy Meyer lemons and Valencia oranges in the fall. Vertical gardening is the key to small space gardens of any type. Structures like arbors, trellises, and hanging baskets allow for growing many more plants. They also assist with air circulation and allow the plants to receive more sun, both of which help prevent fungal diseases and other problems. I also make use of raised beds to make up for the poor soil in my area. The raised beds allow me to grow crops that would normally struggle in the heavy clay soil. Gravel walkways in between the raised beds allow me easy access to harvest and care for the plants, and I love the charming look the gravel brings to the small space. A bench under an arbor provides a spot to sit and see what's new in the garden. A hanging basket above the bench is filled with bright flowers to help attract bees and other pollinators. Gardening in small spaces just takes a little extra creativity, as well as choosing the right varieties. Look for dwarf varieties and "bush" varieties, as well as vines.