Spring Awakening

I love Spring! The days are getting longer. The sunshine feels warmer. Everywhere I look I am surrounded by life. It's a time of newness and rebirth. I feel re-energized and alive being outside. Today, I took some time to appreciate and capture what early Spring looks like in my garden. Enjoy! Dormant plants awaken. My …

5 DIY Seed Starting Vessels

If you are like me and love to start your own seeds, you are probably familiar with the usual seed starting vessels - plastic trays and pots, soil blocks, and peat pots. But some of the best seed starting vessels, in my opinion, can't be purchased from the store. They actually can be made from items you probably …

Easy Garden Project for Kids: Pinecone Bird Feeders

Spring is officially here bringing new life to the garden including the return of my favorite feathered friends. I don't know about you, but I love wild birds.  What these small creatures endure, how far they travel, and their nearly constant motion amaze me.  After a rainstorm, I often go outside and listen to their …

Spring Soil Amendments

Here is what I'm working on in my garden now - spring soil amendments! It's been fairly warm in Fresno (mid 70s). My roses are blooming, trees are budding, and I can comfortably wear a t-shirt outside. So, although we are weeks away from the Spring Equinox, let's just say Spring has sprung here in …

Fall Garden Activity for Kids: Why do Leaves Change Color?

Have you ever wondered how green leaves can turn bright orange, yellow and red? I honestly never gave it much thought. Then, while on a walk with my son, he picked up a leaf and curiously asked me “why do the leaves change color?” I had no answer. Why exactly did the leaves change color each Fall? After …

The Lifecycle of a Sunflower

I can't think of anything quite as fascinating to watch grow as sunflowers. From seed to flower and back to seed again, the entire life cycle of this summer flower is not only beautiful but also serves many important purposes. As a gardener, I love sunflowers because they are easy to grow, attract beneficial insects, …

5 Things I Learned Growing Corn

This year I found myself with extra room in the garden to plant whatever my heart  desired. I've always wanted to try my hand at growing corn, but never had the space or the right seeds. Corn is one of the most commonly grown GMO crops in our country, which makes finding truly GMO-free seeds …

Summer Garden Insects

It's about time I wrote a post about one of my favorite things to photograph in the garden - insects. Yes, flowers are beautiful and vegetables colorful... but insects tend to make a particularly interesting photo. Although they can be hard to photograph, because they are on a micro scale and move, if you get …

How to Grow Epic Tomatillos

Ever wonder what makes your salsa verde green? Surprise! It's not green tomatoes but instead a delightful fruit called the tomatillo. You can purchase tomatillos at the grocery store (typically located near the peppers), but if you have the space I suggest growing your own. With few pest and disease problems tomatillos are easy to grow organically, prolific …

6 Ways to Make Your Own Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers are not only easy and inexpensive to make but they are actually more effective then synthetic store bought fertilizers. Read on for 6 easy ways to make your own!

Easy Indoor Seed Starting Guide

I am a big proponent of growing plants from seed. Whether you are a serious gardener or a gardening hobbyist, there are far more benefits of growing your plants from seed than buying "ready to plant" trays. Let's quickly discuss the benefits of starting your plants from seed. It is cost effective. A package of 100 organic …

To Rake or Not to Rake? – The Benefits of Leaf Litter

Every Fall, nature adorns our trees and shrubs with festive color. The changing scenery practically invokes feelings of warmth and a desire to drink hot apple cider. Or in my case, visit a pumpkin patch - where this year I found an awesome old tractor... Once the color-glory is over and the leaves begin to blanket the ground, it …