From the category archives:

Plan & Design

How to Prune Roses

February 8, 2010

My Tips for Pruning Roses
It’s that time of year again in the rose world when gardeners are cleaning their tools off, sharpening their shears, and waiting for a break in the weather so they can get out and begin a much anticipated annual ritual. I say much anticipated because as one who understands the process [...]

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Smelly Trees and Stinky Plants

October 10, 2009

It’s well known that beautiful fragrances can be derived from plants and their flowers. Roses, lilacs jasmine are a few beautiful scents that come to mind.
As with most things, there is also an opposite, and this time of year the opposites of the beautiful fragrances become evident.  Summer and fall seem to [...]

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Lombard Street AKA Candyland

August 24, 2009

Seeing the recent photos on the Internet of Lombard Street being transformed into a Candyland replica really brought back memories. Most of my early career in horticulture-related activities took place in Northern California. The City was just across the water and weekend trips to explore San Francisco were always fun. The city is so [...]

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Having trouble growing grass in the shade?

May 21, 2008

What follows is a basic guide to growing and maintaining a successful grassy lawn in shady areas.  I’m going to be blunt in telling you that shade and grassy lawns do not sit well together.  The combination of deep shade and new sod just do not combine well.  However, I’m happy to provide some options [...]

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How to select a Landscape Contractor

May 15, 2008

Part 1
When planning for a new landscape for your home, choosing a landscape contractor can be the most important decision. It’s a decision that will affect the appearance of your garden, our pocketbook and definitely can affect your peace of mind.
First let me distinguish between a gardener or maintenance contractor and a landscape instillation contractor. [...]

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Building a cheap water garden

May 9, 2008

How can I build a water garden cheap? I’ve been asked this question on several occasions, usually when I’ve presented a price for what a customer had asked me to build. Clients are usually surprised how expensive it can be to construct a well built, long lasting water feature. Water gardens can be problematic and [...]

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Here are some ideas for plants in hot locations.

April 27, 2008

Some Like it HOT!!!!
If April showers bring May flowers what do the May showers bring? Summer flowers of course. April May and June are the most well known months for prolific blooms but if you select the right plants the summer heat  can bring lots of color too. Here are few summer bloomers that really [...]

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Do you have a problem with weeds in the garden?

April 14, 2008

I get this question all the time…….How do I keep weeds out of my garden?

Weed= any plant that is out of place in a garden. I once had a beautiful oak tree that grew naturally from an acorn that found its way to my garden. When it was still a young seedling, my [...]

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Garden Design- The Use of Contrasting Foliage

April 1, 2008

(Garden photographers please read to end)
When you’re trying to decide what plants to use in your new landscape there are so many considerations to keep in mind. Soil conditions, sunlight exposure and eventual plant size are some easy factors to find solutions for. Your local garden center is one good source to help you through those decisions. [...]

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Bad economy can be good for gardeners

March 31, 2008

My friend Trey over at the Golden Gecko Garden Center in Northern California always post some thoughtful articles. In his recent one he comments on the result of the economy on garden centers. http://www.thegoldengecko.com/blog/
I enjoyed his post and want to add one additional reason for people to shop at their local garden center right now…..saving money. The [...]

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