The first few months of the new year is the season for cutting back – in our lives and in our gardens. Throughout the region nurseries and gardening groups offer pruning demonstrations and workshops for deciduous trees (particularly fruit trees)… Continue Reading
In this last bit of 2012, I am ruminating on two quotes that struck me recently from a TED talk given by Dr. Brené Brown on the Power of Vulnerability. The whole talk was fascinating, but the two quotes that… Continue Reading
With the onset of winter rains come the winter gifts of mushrooms. I have found them fascinating since first moving to Northern California and being amazed at the incredible quantity and diversity of these mysterious organisms. With a mushroom fairs… Continue Reading
Some people like diamonds, some people like furs, some people like Ferraris, Corvettes or 1968 Mustang convertibles. Others still like big power tools with engines, pull cords and gas tanks. Photo:A bright bowl of hand-made pomanders. These traditional holiday crafts… Continue Reading
In 2009, I had the pleasure of interviewing botanical artist Susan Bazell on her passion and her work. Susan died of cancer on December 1, 2012. I am re-airing this interview in her honor and memory. Photo: A slow dripping… Continue Reading
It’s officially the rainy (or snowy) time of year in the North State. And despite inconvenience, we are thankful for it. Two or three rounds of seasonal storms have our California oak grasslands greening and wetlands filling. Deciduous blue oaks,… Continue Reading
The beauty of the garden in winter is a unique pleasure: fragrant, fresh evergreens, bright berries, frosty mornings. Photo: Frosty Indian hawthorne on a cold North State morning. Seasonal greens, winter fruits, and sculptural cones have long been associated with… Continue Reading
With winter upon us, many of our favorite birds return for the season. Bird feeders come out of summer dormancy and are cleaned and filled for a new season. With leaves off of many trees, and the distractions in the… Continue Reading
This article originally appeared in the Butte Rose Society’s October 2011 Newsletter. Love roses? The North State is home to several wonderful rose societies, including Shasta Rose Society, Butte Rose Society, the Sacramento Rose Society. Our regions outstanding demonstration rose… Continue Reading
On Saturday November 10th from 10 am – 4 pm, the Chico Permaculture Guild will host a “permablitz” event – a hands on learning day in which you will learn how to design and install a rooftop rainwater harvesting system… Continue Reading
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