July arrives in the North State Garden with relative ease this year. We’ve had a bit of true heat, but not what it likely will be. I like the early-rising, late-setting sun and the arc of the summer days. Spring’s… Continue Reading
“A little madness in the spring is wholesome even for the King!” I like to think that when Emily Dickinson wrote these words, she included some heady joy in the word madness, and she included us all in the wholesome… Continue Reading
Winter seemed to finally arrive toward the end of January this year, bringing needed rain and snow to the North State. While the driving was a bit tedious, to watch the view change right in front of me was powerful.… Continue Reading
I like to think that winter’s long, dark nights, its snow and driving rains (when we get them – boy, I hope we get them), and its killing frosts, provide me with absolution from the mistakes, lapses, failures and inadequacies… Continue Reading
Seasonal precipitation has returned with relative gentleness on the Valley portions of the North State along with some frosts and early enticing snow in the foothills and high country. Our scenic California oak grasslands and wetlands are greening and filling;… Continue Reading
I think it starts with the pomegranates and pumpkins of October, but it’s hard to put my finger on exactly. Something about this time of year begins a seasonal journey of tradition and ritual. Once it begins, it sort of… Continue Reading
Autumn’s arrival for me is accompanied by a renewed sense of community. Perhaps it is the return of regular school schedules, and the return of regular monthly meetings for garden clubs and organizations. Perhaps it is the primal sense of… Continue Reading
In much of the North State, several weeks of rain or snow gave way to SUNSHINE for the closing days of March and the opening days of April and it could not have been more welcome. I was assured by… Continue Reading
Over the past few weeks I have had several in-depth conversations about plant names. Specifically, why I chose to include scientific plant names across the front of Jewellgarden’s new note cards and how these names are determined – why are… Continue Reading
What is January without resolutions? Getting to the far side of the holidays in and out of the garden often leaves me feeling overwhelmed, overdone and over the top. Perhaps this is why so many of my resolutions are variations… Continue Reading
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