It’s June Gloom in California, right on the heels of May Gray. These distinctly un-summery weather patterns are caused by cool air getting trapped under warm air between the ocean and the mountains, creating weeks of overcast skies while the rest of the northern hemisphere enjoys the arrival of summer. While some of my plants have…
Author: Claire
How to Steal Salvia Cuttings from Your Neighbor
I regularly pass by a house in my neighborhood with the perfect salvia growing in the front yard. Likely a cultivar of salvia greggii, its blossoms are the creamy apricot hue I’m forever pining after. I’ve scoured nurseries and the internet for an identification, to no avail. I know it’s bad to covet thy neighbor. But…
Seven Plants That Can Withstand the Punishing Afternoon Sun
If you have a south, west, or southwest-facing balcony, you know the afternoon sun struggle. While sun is generally a good thing, not all plants happily withstand the hot rays of the afternoon, especially in pots. But that doesn’t mean your balcony has to be desolate. There are plenty of plants that can take the…
Your Potted Rose’s First Bloom of the Season Is Over. Now What?
Last week, I wanted to write a post about roses. But, finding myself defeated by work and life, something on my to-do list had to go. To be honest, roses are pretty intimidating and not the best topic to tackle if you’re already feeling overwhelmed. Experts devote their lives to becoming certified rosarians. An ancient flower laden with…
Gardening in May in the Bay
Mid-May is a great time to stand back and admire the progress our gardens have made since the start of spring, even if it hasn’t felt like spring. The month kicked off with a week of rain and highs in the 50s! On my balcony and around the region, many plants are behind schedule due…