Squeamishness around insects is a normal reaction in most people. So, you’re probably not too pleased to step into your garden and spot creepy crawlies everywhere. But before you dash off to purchase insecticides, do your research to discover whether those insects are even harmful. Some “pests” are actually beneficial to your garden, such as……
After all of the hard work you’ve invested in your garden, the last thing you want to see is a swarm of invasive pests. Unfortunately, that’s just one part of life, especially for avid gardeners. But with a keen eye for details, you can spot a problem before it inflicts too much damage on your…
For many gardeners, summer is their favorite time of year. Veggies are maturing, and many flowers have reached their peak. But there’s still plenty of work to do, especially as you nurture new annuals in flower beds or manage your vegetable garden. This handy summer checklist can help you get organized. Fertilize. Now is the…
Now that the heat of summer has arrived, you might notice that your lush spring blooms have begun to look a little droopy. Many of your spring flowers might be nearing the end of their blooming period, so now it’s time to transition your flower beds to summer. Short of ripping flowerless plants out and…
Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of having your own backyard pool. Whether you want to relax and float in the serene waters, swim laps for exercise, or kick back and watch the kids splash and play, having your own pool can add a lot of enjoyment to your life. But what if your dream home came…
An irrigation system is one of the best decisions you can make for your yard. By using this type of system, you can ensure that the right amount of water is delivered straight to your plants’ roots, prevent runoff and waste, and even manage your water bill. Given the lack of consistent rain in California,…
Any new hobby is more fun, and easier to learn when you have the right equipment. That’s why we put together this Garden Supplies 101 list to make the process easier for newcomers (or folks returning to gardening after a break). You might find that you need additional items, according to your needs, but at…
One of the biggest trends in the garden world involves growing your own food, for the benefits of freshness and safety. Your efforts can also cut your grocery costs. But of course, with every new undertaking there is a learning curve. You might already know the basics of storing the fruits and vegetables, but what…
The flexitarian trend has taken over, combining what many believe to be the “best of both worlds” regarding both vegetarian diets and “flexible” (or omnivorous) diets. You’ve probably heard that vegetarians enjoy a myriad of health benefits linked to their plant-based diets, such as a lower risk of various diseases, lower weights, and even better…
If you’re considering the addition of a garden feature that will add both visual interest and a soothing appeal, you might be interested in the trend of “tunnels” created by shaping trees or other plants. Not only will your garden be the talk of the town; you can provide yourself with a soothing meditative space…
Are you looking for a unique outing that will please the entire family? Southern California boasts an impressive number of botanical gardens, vineyards, and farms, sure to please just about anyone. These 8 Southern California Visits are by no means an exhaustive list, but should provide you with some fun ideas for day trips around…
Growing your own food at home offers wonderful benefits. You save money at the grocery store and the produce is so much fresher (and more delicious). If eating organic or making home remedies is important to you, the only true way to ensure your plants are “clean” is to grow it yourself! Of course, tending…
We’re all surrounded by mass-produced products, to the extent that we often forget that people still make things by hand! But we believe that in gardening, handcrafted is often the best choice, for the following reasons: Handcrafted items are unique. You want your garden to stand out, add curb appeal to your home, and gradually…
Backyard gardens once fell out of fashion toward the middle of last century, probably due to the mass availability of supermarket fare. However, home-grown fruits and veggies are now enjoying a much-deserved resurgence in popularity. Amateur gardeners have discovered that food grown in their own backyards tastes fresher. It is also more affordable than supermarket…
For nature enthusiasts, a visit from hummingbirds can feel like a special occasion. They will prefer your yard, and be more likely to visit on a regular basis if you provide them with an abundance of their favorite food in a hummingbird garden. Of course, water, nesting sites, and perches are important too. They tend…