April in the Natural Garden
April 8, 2023
One of the best years for native plants in memory, and perhaps for some, the best year ever! We have 24.51 inches for the season total to date at Tree of Life.
Author: Emily
March in the Natural Garden
March 3, 2023
In general, gardeners are an optimistic lot, and usually our optimism pays off… eventually. After nearly three years of meager winter rains coupled with extreme summer heat, we are now experiencing a “great” rain year, with repeated soakings and copious precipitation that will provide deep moisture for our plants well into summer and beyond.
February in the Natural Garden
February 13, 2023
The strange September soakings coupled with the bountiful winter rains have produced unprecedented blooms in some of our driest places. The desert came out with off-season flowers in fall and winter, and has already made a good start on spring. Other…
Southern California Lizards
January 16, 2023
Herpetologist and Desert Ecology expert, Dr. Cameron Barrows, describes some of the many different species of lizards found in Southern California.
January in the Natural Garden
January 5, 2023
January, 2023 in the Natural Garden.
…but our forecast for the next two weeks in southern California has us getting a few scraps of rain left over from the main course being served in northern California. This is fairly typical, as evidenced by Mendocino’s 40” compared to San Diego’s 10” annual average…
December in the Natural Garden
December 6, 2022
December, 2022 in the Natural Garden.
…but our forecast for the next two weeks in southern California has us getting a few scraps of rain left over from the main course being served in northern California. This is fairly typical, as evidenced by Mendocino’s 40” compared to San Diego’s 10” annual average…
November in the Natural Garden
November 14, 2022
September, 2022 in the Natural Garden.
As soon as this Labor-Day-thru-early-September heatwave breaks, provide an early morning Deep Soak for your entire garden. Continue with your regular (daily is OK during the heatwave) Refreshing Sprinkles in the late afternoon or early evening.
Sage in the Garden
October 24, 2022
Think of salvia as a musician playing solo, with a few friends, in a band, or as part of a complete orchestra. The music she makes is lovely at every level, so consider how much room you have and strike up the first song!
September in the Natural Garden
September 8, 2022
September, 2022 in the Natural Garden.
As soon as this Labor-Day-thru-early-September heatwave breaks, provide an early morning Deep Soak for your entire garden. Continue with your regular (daily is OK during the heatwave) Refreshing Sprinkles in the late afternoon or early evening.
Plants of the California Deserts
September 7, 2022
Kevin Alison details California desert plants and how they are used in the garden. Kevin covers the evolution of desert habitats and common adaptations of desert plants that allow them to survive and thrive in hot, dry climates. Kevin also highlights desert species that can be planted throughout the summer and add summer color to your garden!