Sunday Zen

Irvine, California     Durango, Colorado

Tuesday’s Tips — What to Plant in the Fall

We're coming up fast on Labor Day people. Lots of tired clichés come to mind and I'm not going there (you're welcome), but yikes! Here in Southern California that means it will soon be time to plant our cool season crops. We're a lucky bunch, we get two growing seasons  — warm and cool. But...

Tuesday’s Tips — Pet Safe Gardens

Keeping Pets Safe in the Garden We are proud to introduce the stars of today's post: Kea, Sage and Joker who live in Colorado with Mary Beth. Emmie's in California with Barbara. We figure that every gardener who has pets has also had a brush with disaster when their pooch or kitty has gotten into...

Tuesday’s Tips — Companion Planting

Companion Planting Each spring as we make plans for planting our vegetable gardens, one of our guides is the ancient tradition of companion planting. Companion plants are mutually beneficial, helping each other by increasing nutrient uptake, pollination, productivity, or by controlling pests. You should also be aware that certain plants should not be planted near...

Tuesday’s Tips — Grab Bag

Barbara: I've been running around all day doing errands — I HATE doing errands. I kept feeling like something was missing, like I was forgetting something. What could it be...? Tuesday!! OMG! It's near the end of the day and this day is Tuesday! Ding, ding, ding! Here are your tips — a miscellaneous trio....

Tuesday’s Tips — Seed Starting Mix & Weeding Tool

Two Tuesday's Tips in a row! We amaze ourselves. This week Mary Beth wants to tell you about her favorite tool. Last summer she slapped one in my hand and I was an instant convert. Then I've got some tips for starting peas and beans. Mary Beth: If I had to pick only one important...

Tuesday’s Tips — Rose Tea & Weed Control

Spring has sprung in the West and it's on its way in the East — although with that crazy weather you might find it hard to believe. This week's tips focus on roses and weeds. In the Garden MB: Whip up a batch of my version of Rose Tea for a quick boost. I make...

What About the Bees?!

Mary Beth: Winter is coming, I think, and even though the weather continues to be unusually warm for this time of year, I've been getting the bees ready. So, what about the bees? Every time I tell someone that Ray and I are moving back to Colorado (Ch, Ch, Changes), I hear this question. I'll...

A Rant About a Rant

Barbara: I got a call this morning from Mary Beth directing me to Garden Rant blog. Today's guest rant, "Who cares about honeybees, anyway?" by Xris, the Flatbush Gardener had gotten her all worked up, and rightly so. As I read it, I could feel my blood pressure rising. This rant, by someone who is...