I haven't found many garden design books that I think do a good job of presenting design concepts in a way that non-designers can relate to without taking a cookie-cutter approach that leaves no room for personalization. Rochelle Greayer's book Cultivating Garden Style is different. Check out my book review at GardeningProductsReview.com.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Cultivating Garden Style
I haven't found many garden design books that I think do a good job of presenting design concepts in a way that non-designers can relate to without taking a cookie-cutter approach that leaves no room for personalization. Rochelle Greayer's book Cultivating Garden Style is different. Check out my book review at GardeningProductsReview.com.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
What to Do in the Garden in September
During the heat waves that often occur in September, my gardening advice is to do as little as possible. Keep the garden as well-watered as you can given our current water restrictions, but other than that, don't risk heat stroke by taking on strenuous gardening tasks while the temperatures remain high. Once the heat wave passes, here's where you can focus your energy this month:
Plan
- As days get shorter, it's a good time to re-evaluate your outdoor lighting, both for safety and for ambiance. You may need to adjust timers or want to install newer, more efficient LED ligthts.
- It's time to shop for spring-blooming bulbs! Make a plan for how many you're going to add and what types, then shop the fall catalogs or local garden centers for the best price.
- Map out a system for rotating your fall crops by plant family. For example, plan on planting something from the Brassicaceae family, such as broccoli or kale, where you grew your tomatoes (Solanaceae family), or beets (Amaranthaceae) in the spot where you grew beans (Leguminosae). By rotating plant families, you can break cycles of certain pests that may overwinter or diseases that settle into the soil.
- There's still time to check with your water utility to see if you qualify for rebates for reducing your lawn.
- Make a list of the plants you want to transplant from one spot in your garden to another. Once you identify the plants to be moved you can watch for the optimal time to transplant.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Gary Bukovnik Watercolor Exhibition at UC Botanical Garden
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| Vase of Roses |
If you want to meet the artist himself, you can attend a salon and reception on August 30th ($50/$40 for members; space is limited and you must register in advance. And if you've always wanted to explore watercolor painting, you can enroll in a day-long workshop with Bukovnik at the garden on September 3rd ($200/$175 members). You'll learn the principles of working with watercolors and benefit from the artist's unique perspective on seeing and representing plants in paint.
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| Spring Fever, Tumbling Composition |
For details and to register for the salon or workshop, click here.
Friday, August 21, 2015
How to Choose and Site a Garden Bench
Choosing a Bench
There is a seemingly endless range of styles for garden benches, from formal or traditional to funky and eccentric, as well as a wide array of materials. Before you try to select a bench, you should consider what role you want it to play in your garden. If your garden has a woodland style, you may want a bench that will blend with that setting, such as natural wood or faux bois concrete. In a traditional garden, a classically styled bench of wood or wrought iron will suit. Got a Bohemian garden? Then you can really push the boundaries and select a bench with color and flair.
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