Happy Vernal Equinox! This has been a historically wet and chilly winter in the Bay Area, and it looks like more clouds and showers are in store. But, at least I know that from tomorrow, March 20 until the summer solstice, every day will be longer than the last. I never fully appreciated spring until I started appreciating plants;…
Category: Seasons
How to Grow Spring Bulbs in the Bay
My first attempt last year at growing spring bulbs in a pot failed miserably. I purchased ten tulip bulbs from the hardware store, dutifully followed instructions (or so I thought), and they all withered and died almost as soon as they’d sprouted. What did I do wrong? I had a few theories and tried to…
This Year I’m Sowing Flower Seeds
When you’re gardening in a small space, it can be tempting to buy all your colorful annuals at the nursery. After all, you don’t need a huge quantity and the pretty store-bought plants offer instant gratification. I get it! I love shopping for plants and am all for indulging in the occasional nursery splurge if…
How to Turn an Old Firepit into a Sumptuous Summer Planter
Before throwing away any container-like object I always ask myself, “could this be a planter?” At our last house, we inherited a rusty old firepit left behind by previous tenants. It was destined for the trash, but I recognized its potential. In this post, I’ll share some general tips for repurposing any receptacle into a…
Six Satisfying February Gardening Jobs to Chase Away the Winter Blues
Cool temperatures and dark skies got you down? Me too. I know I can’t complain, living in a place with mild winters, but I am a solar-powered, heat-loving person. Once the glow of holiday coziness has worn off, the rest of winter is a slog. The slowly lengthening days and early blooms of February always…