In Visalia, California, there is a wonderful herb garden located on the campus of Crestwood Elementary School. Twenty years ago, teacher Kathy Stevens joined with students, parents, and other teachers to create this peaceful nature place for everyone to enjoy. A wide variety of seasonal herbs, flowers, shrubs, and one bay tree welcome visitors throughout the year.
In the two years since Prunella "Pru" Parke moved from Texas to England to establish a career as a head gardener, she’s not only completed two successful gardening projects, she has helped to catch several murderers and a romantic partner. Pru's life evolved from mourning the loss of her mother to finding a whole new family and reconnecting with the brother she never knew she had. The best part may be the marriage proposal by a Metropolitan Police detective chief inspector, Christopher Pearse.
Brown is the New Green…this familiar reminder is sprouting up all over California as we enter another year of the historic drought. For those who want to remain water-wise but still want to enjoy all the benefits that plants, trees and flowers have to offer, more residential gardeners than ever are turning to the experts who are on hand 24/7, to offer tips, advice and knowledge– The Master Gardeners.
Buy your food carefully, cook it properly and whenever possible, grow it yourself.
Stay hydrated.
Drink good clean water and herbal teas with local honey.
Eat natural foods, raw or nearly raw vegetable.
Eats lots of fruit.
Get your protein …
Ah, springtime! In California’s Central Valley, as in many parts of the country, the months of spring are a welcome respite from the colder winter months. Actually, in the Central Valley it’s something of a bittersweet time because our spring lasts–if we’re lucky–a month.
What accessories are you using in your garden right now? Are you into Japanese lanterns, topiaries, or any type of indigenous materials? How much did you spend using those accessories? If you’re like me, I’d bet you’ve also spent thousands of dollars at one point just to beautify your garden.
Nestled between Café Corazon and The Hashtag in Fresno’s Tower District is The Succulent Shack. It sounds like a nice place to eat or drink. In fact, as you enter the door, it looks and feels like a nice place to eat or drink. It has all the rustic charm and simple elegance of a corner café.
Entertaining grandchildren is a challenge. Time is limited. Because of the times, frugality is called for. It is not that we are cheap; it is just that it does not cost that much to have a great time.
What better way to show mom how much you care than with flowers? You don’t need to spend a fortune for a dozen roses artfully arranged in a charming vase. Visit your local nursery, home store or dollar store and come away with flowers from the heart.
Composting has recently become one of the hottest topics in the world of recycling and conservation. For many years, only people who have large gardens with plenty of extra space have composted; but even if you only have a tiny garden or balcony, you too can compost!
