Gardening Articles
Garden Information Resources
Gail Fanning’s Information resources:
Gail Fanning writes a monthly column in the Sonoma County Gazette: Gail’s Garden. You can find her on the Gaz Extra! web site at:
http://www.sonomacountygazette.com/blog/index.html
Here is a list of Gail’s information resources:
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Fire Resistant Plants
Choose Native Plants to Resist Fire
By Becky Wells
Drought, high temperatures, and wind have created a smoldering environment in California. Here in West Sonoma County we’ve been relatively lucky so far, but low a water winter means a high-fire summer.
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Do Lawns Belong in California?
A Lawn or Not?
By Sandy Metzger, Sonoma County Master Gardener
Sometimes I think lawn is just a state of mind. After all, besides the aesthetics of the green carpet between the sidewalk and the house, what real function does it have? I know, I know, you need a place to play croquet; the baby needs a place to crawl; the dog needs a place to run. Historically, mowed turf originated with the lush lawns of England and Europe, was imported across the Atlantic to America, and then in the mid-1800s became the dominant element in the California landscape. Read the rest of this article »
Aesthetics of Landscaping
Landscaping,
The Ultimate Art Form
By Charles Sackett
Landscaping is the ultimate art form. Just like a painting, the medium includes form, color, perspective, proportion, dimension, compliments and contrasts. Yet landscaping goes far beyond the visual senses. All of the senses should be incorporated into the landscape art project. Hearing can be achieved through the sounds of a roaring waterfall, or the trickle of a small creek or fountain. Sound can be created through the attraction of birds, or the rustling of leaves, or simply wind chimes. Read the rest of this article »
Improving your Wildfire Defensible Space
Vegetation Management 101
By Jeff Rebischung
Owner, Fine Tree Care
In my time working as a licensed timber operator, I have had the opportunity to meet and work upon the land of many of Sonoma County’s rural landowners. Although each of these people has a different landscape, and corresponding different needs from a service provider, there is often great similarity in how these people experience their land – and clearly one very critical need. Read the rest of this article »
Purchasing Plants
How to Buy a Healthy Plant
…and keep it happy when you get home!
By Gail Fanning
So many of us have had the discouraging experience of buying a beautiful plant at the nursery, only to have it completely fail us at home. Here are some tips to help you avoid this common problem! Read the rest of this article »
An Interview with Sherrie Althouse of CalFlora
Creating a Natural Drought-tolerant Garden
By Becky Wells
The weather is The News these days. With a drought hanging over our heads, we are extremely concerned about water but we don’t want to sacrifice our beloved gardens. Read the rest of this article »
Benefits of Mulch
Sheet Mulching for Water Conservation
By Rick Taylor: Elder Creek Landscapes
Absolutely, Sheet mulching is an effective tool not only for building soil but also for weed prevention and water conservation. Sheet mulching is, essentially, a horizontal compost pile right on the garden floor. This layering method is providing a slow release of nutrients and organic matter, which directly assists the soil food web in creating a better soil structure, provides weed prevention, and reduces watering needs. Read the rest of this article »
Grown from Seed
New Kid on the (Seed) Block
With companies going out of business, unemployment up to record levels, and whole sectors of industry being propped up by the government, there is a good news: a new company out of the Russian River area of the San Francisco Bay has arrived on the vegetable seed front: The Sustainable Seed Company. Their philosophy is simple: high quality, home-grown produce that anyone can grow and re-grow for years to come.
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Victory Gardens
Victory Gardens Project is Underway
By Becky Wells, Victory Volunteer
Katherine Best-Smith, a dynamic activist and Forestville United
Methodist Church member has organized the first Victory Garden Project in Sonoma County and it’s growing larger each day. “This idea is not new. It was born out of the national Victory Gardens started by Eleanor Roosevelt due to food shortages and rationing during World War II,” she said. Other Garden Projects are springing up throughout the country today as people are realizing that folks are sincerely in need of help.