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Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Christmas Gifts for Gardeners

Stocking stuffers and gifts for the gardener are such a treat to give and to receive. They don't have to be expensive or extravagant. They show the recipient that you care. Here are a few gifts that I've received over the years. I love using them, and thinking about the giver.

These sticky notes by Mary Woodin help brighten any paperwork, list making, reading, or research project.

Sticky notes (collages made using Pic-Collage)

Yard art by Fancy Plants brings a whimsical touch to a pot of succulents, and celebrates a love affair with the desert.

Whimsical dioramas for container plants

This tiny self-watering planter by Shippon is so easy and so much fun - great to share with kids or grandkids, and to provide an inside gardening experience in the dark winter days.

Self-watering planter


With the cocktail garden by Backyard Safari Company you can grow six heirloom herbs (thyme, mint, lavender, lemon balm, Thai basil, and blue borage) in a space the size of an egg carton. Use to flavor the dish or beverage of your choice.

Mini herb garden


The Amaryllis is another favorite gift for gardeners (and non-gardeners). With relative ease just about anyone can have success growing big bodacious flowers from the large bulb. Red and white blossoms are perfect for the Christmas holidays.

Amaryllis bulbs are a great decoration and a great gift


Keep a look out for great gift ideas for the gardeners in your life.

Friday, November 30, 2018

Sabbatical and Seasons: Wrap Up

In this year of sabbatical we explored fun ideas, appreciated the seasons and seasonal change, visited parks and gardens, and enjoyed the beauty of the everyday.

Fall light in late afternoon

Fun Ideas

Here's a collection of fun ideas for the garden and the gardener.
My Example
Tennis Shoe Planter
Birdhouses
Fresh Herbs
Favorite Christmas Plants
The Art of Beatrix Potter
Christmas Gifts for Gardeners
Cousin Chris and the Glam Camper


Seasons

Enjoy the landscape in different seasons.
My Example
Winter at Bishop Ranch
Spring at Bishop Ranch
Summer at Bishop Ranch
Roses at Bishop Ranch
Filoli in Fall
The Beast of Lake Bishop


Regional Parks

Visit regional parks in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
My Example
Seahurst Park
Garin Regional Park
Wildcat Regional Park
Iron Horse Trail
Dry Creek Garden
Point Pinole
Black Diamond Mines


Gardens

Visit gardens in Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area.
My Example
Marra Farm Community Garden
Garden on the 17th Floor
Kitchen Garden in Palo Alto
Dublin Heritage Park and Museums


Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Birdhouses

Thinking about adding a fun detail to the garden without spending a lot of money? How about adding a birdhouse? Here are a few I've seen while out and about.

Alaskan-style birdhouse with a tin roof and opening, and beautiful green patina

Seattle Victorian birdhouse in a leafy neighborhood

I don't know if birds actually use bird houses, but I have seen them pushing twigs into them. Perhaps they are preparing a cozy resting place or a back-up nest (just in case).

Rustic birdhouse at Filoli in Woodside

Rustic birdhouses like this one are placed throughout the Gentleman's Orchard at Filoli in Woodside, California. The birds they attract may help manage insects that could damage crops.