Forecast: Continued dry and unseasonably warm with no chance of rain. After a decent bit at the end of October, we imagined the storm gates might officially open for winter. It appears that through November, we may have to enjoy only imaginary rain, good enough for a poet or philosopher but completely meaningless in the realm of soil moisture.
Join Randi Gunder, Tree of Life Nursery’s in-house landscape designer, as she goes over the basics of California native plant design. Randi wants you to walk away from this workshop feeling inspired and confident when it comes to your native plant garden.
As native plants become established and the garden starts to function as a whole, rather than a sum of parts, your involvement becomes that of a steward and participant. You will be tending the garden, not maintaining it.
Now let’s talk about those “many garden tasks” for fall. Gardening, like farming, is all about performing tasks today that will pay dividends in 3-6 months.
Happy New Year! At least that’s the word around Tree of Life today, as September 1 has always been the date we make all things
The California garden is tended nature in miniature. It’s not about the plants. It’s about generosity. It’s about giving back to the land and giving oneself the pleasure and satisfaction of loving, getting involved, and tending a garden modeled after the natural beauty of the region.
California native plants are well adapted to our climate and can tolerate extended periods of heat and drought in their natural setting. Many natives experience a drought-induced dormancy in the summer. They simply maintain their size and shape, add very little to no new growth, and sometimes even lose a few leaves toward the end of the season.This is how they “tough it out”.
Many native grasses here in California are drought tolerant. Listed below are some of our favorite California native grasses.
After stewing over this for around 10 years, Mike Evans will finally let off some steam and attempt to make some sense out of southern California’s “Mulch Madness” in his presentation “The Low Down Dirt on Mulch.” Watch Mike discuss what works and what doesn’t in regards to putting stuff on the surface of your soil in your native garden.
Always try to match the soil, the conditions, and the plant for great success every time. You can only alter the qualities of the soil to a certain extent. The same goes for the site conditions. But plant choices…ahhh, you have hundreds!
