Northern California

Design
Dry Shade Plants That Thrive in Northern California

Gardening in dry shade is often considered a challenge, yet shade is actually a major plus for any gardener concerned with Northern California's ongoing water concerns. Surprisingly, even though they…
How-To
Late-Fall Chores in the Northern California Vegetable Garden

One of the best things about vegetable gardening here in Northern California, is that there’s seldom any true downtime. Whether it is winter, spring, summer, or fall, there are chores…
Design
California Native Shrubs to Plant in Fall

Woody shrubs add year-round interest, fullness, and height to the landscape, defining borders or providing shade and privacy. These sizable offerings often bridge the gap between taller trees and shorter…
Design
Interesting Broadleaf Evergreens for California

In an episode of Fine Gardening's podcast, Let's Argue About Plants, the hosts discuss the importance of evergreen plants, and the particular perks of broadleaf evergreens: "The key to any…
How-To
When Do You Sow Sweet Peas? Plant Them in Fall If You Live in This Zone

If it’s fall and you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 and above, you should be planting your sweet pea seeds. Sweet peas are climbing annual plants that bear clusters…
Design
6 Great Ornamental Grasses for Northern California

The term "ornamental grass" is a handy way for us to identify an array of plants that have narrow, strappy, or bladelike leaves. This group includes not only the true…
Design
Flowering Evergreens for the Shade Garden

Evergreen plants contribute life, texture, and color to the landscape all year long. But these plants are particularly valuable during the winter months when deciduous branches are bare, most of…
How-To
Tips and Tricks for Growing Garlic

If you’ve been to a farmer’s market this July and August, no doubt you have feasted your eyes on gorgeous bulbs of garlic, freshly pulled from the earth just weeks…
Design
Tips for Creating a Beneficial Insect Haven in Northern California

Beneficial insects are basically the essential workers needed if a garden is to flourish. They’re the good bugs—including native bees, honeybees, butterflies, ladybugs, praying mantises, assassin bugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps,…
Design
A Summer Tour of the University of California Botanical Gardens

One of the most diverse landscapes you’ll ever visit, the University of California Botanical Gardens were originally established in 1890 in order to create a living collection of the native…

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