my backyard
Ugly Carrots Still Taste Good
My carrots will never make the cover of a magazine (unless the magazine is all about ugly vegetables). But at least they're colorful and still taste good.
What’s on the Other Side of That Gate?
Using the terrain, landscaping and a few structures, it's easy to create cool garden "rooms" that feel like you're in a secret, and a tad magical, place.
Mid-Spring Garden Check-in – How’s it Growing?
How's your vegetable garden doing in mid-spring? Here in San Diego County, we're off to a slow, wet start, but hopeful it'll catch up the last half of spring
I Think We’re Being Watched
Two of our hens have figured out that if they stare through the sliding glass door by the living room long enough, my wife will throw them snacks. Bad chickens!
Mini Panther Sighting in the Garden
Shortcutting through the upper yard yesterday I happened upon a miniature black panther crouching under a sage bush.
Seven Sages Currently Blooming in the Garden
Sage isn't just my name, it's also my favorite type of plant. I have over 30 salvia varieties in the garden. Here are 7 of my favorites currently in bloom.
Gopher Plague Continues
First it was the dill, then the aloe, then the broccoli, and now the celery. This year the gophers are relentless (thanks El Niño). Grrr. I need more traps.
Green Globe Artichokes in April
While a gopher plague is delaying the main vegetable garden, the artichokes in the north beds are doing just fine. Fresh artichokes for dinner kids!
Orange Blossoms
If you've never had the opportunity to walk through an orange grove blooming in early spring, I feel sorry for you. The scent is amazing.
Small Wonders: Ellaphieae’s Gasteria and Bonfire Moss
The wet weather let bonfire moss move in next to a Gasteria ellaphieae. Succulents and moss together aren't something you often see together. Small wonders.