I didn’t dream of becoming an expert gardener. I simply wanted to grow fresh food for my family and know what to do when something in my garden wasn’t thriving. My vision wasn’t hundreds of acres or living completely off the grid. It was much simpler: a few raised planter beds, a couple of rows […]
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Ceanothus ‘Concha’ belongs in California gardens
Four years ago, I wrote a column about my newly planted Ceanothus ‘Concha.’ I had chosen large plants over less costly small ones because, at my age, deferred gratification didn’t make much sense. Well, I am still here, and so are my Ceanothus, which are now four feet tall and three feet wide and currently […]
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Defending the garden: Protective and soil prep strategies
Many gardeners in Napa County have observed a rise in ground squirrel activity in their neighborhoods. If you are concerned about how this may impact your vegetable gardening efforts, there is no need to lose hope. After careful research and planning, I found an effective method for managing ground squirrel issues and am pleased to […]
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In Scotland’s gardens, a Napa arborist finds lessons in letting nature lead
My recent visit to the Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh, Scotland offered a pleasant reminder of how climate shapes not only what we grow, but how we maintain and design landscapes. In Napa Valley, much of my work as a garden consultant centers on water conservation, irrigation efficiency and helping plants survive long dry summers. […]
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Planning for a hotter future: Rethinking trees in Napa County’s cities
Urban trees provide shade, improve air quality and help moderate temperatures in California’s cities. Yet as climate change brings hotter weather and longer periods of drought, many commonly planted tree species may struggle. In a recent lecture, Dr. Igor Lacan, interim county director and Bay Area environmental horticulture and urban forestry advisor with UC Cooperative […]
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Lilacs reward gardeners with scent, color — and a short-lived show
The lilac is a classic English cottage-garden plant, yet it is native to southeastern Europe. That means it can be a successful garden plant in sunny, dry California, although it appreciates rain and cool summers. I have a couple of lilacs in my yard, and they emerge at the same time each year in March, […]
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Proper planning is key to spring garden planting success
In my opinion, nothing is more enticing than walking through a garden center full of vibrantly colored spring flowers just calling my name. I admit to being the person who, in the not-too-distant past, would bring home several lovely specimens, only to place them in the part of the garden where plants go to die. […]
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One plant, plenty of tomatoes
Last year at this time Napa County Master Gardeners were working hard to have an outstanding spring tomato sale. Our effort paid off: the sale, which helps fund our activities, was a complete success and will be held again this year on Saturday, April 11, in Napa. (Details below). I was scheduled to do a […]
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Tips for tomato garden success
For many people, spring begins with the UC Master Gardeners of Napa County tomato sale, which will be held on Saturday, April 11, this year. Just as the tomato sale signals spring, a ripe tomato is practically the trademark of summer. Many of us can’t wait to plunk our plants in the ground so we […]
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Cool-season vegetables thrive as gardeners eye spring
What gardener’s thoughts do not turn to the vegetable patch when the sun comes out after a long spell of rainy days? Most of us want to jump right into the beloved tomatoes and beans of summer, even though their planting time is still a couple of months away. The savvy gardener knows that March […]