New Sunset Western Garden Book available

I have written about the Sunset Western Garden Book in the past and always consider it my go-to guide for gardening info. The great news is that there is now a new edition of the book available. My own copy is a bit old now, probably from around 1996, so it might just be time to upgrade. Of course, the danger is I will go “down the rabbit hole” and spend more time reading about gardening than doing it. (LAUGH)

You can find further information on this new edition by visiting the Sunset Western Garden Book Press Room.

 

Via Garden Rant

Events: Spring Garden Tours in Southern California

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The Los Angeles Times has this overview of various garden tours happening in the LA area. My only issue is that most of them seem very pricy. Garden tours should be open to as many people as possible. With high prices we risk perpetuating the snobbish appeal of gardens much like that of wine or food. Some events are fundraising, which is a noble task, but I am all for spreading the joy of gardens and gardening with everyone…even those who can’t afford or justify $20-45 for a tour.

Spring garden tours in Southern California

We offer our annual list of spring garden tours for your calendar-marking pleasure. Be sure to check websites for more information and updates, because some events do sell out. Additions to the list and suggestions are welcome via reader comments.

Read the entire article

Photo: Oh to be so organized in my garden shed

I came across this picture on Pinterest the other day. For the record, this looks NOTHING like my garage where my garden tools are stored. I only WISH it did. Still, I guess it is something to strive for. It is certainly true the being organized can help you get things done in less time with less fuss. It takes time itself, though, so many of us ignore that part in favor of being out with the plants.

organized-garden-shed

 

This photo, and some others that can be found after the link, are from Fine Gardening and Associate Editor, Michelle Gervai. She says, “A few weeks ago I took advantage of the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program and got to visit Linda Allard’s gorgeous garden in Washington, Connecticut.”

Recall: ECHO Recalls Backpack Blowers Due to Fire Hazard

I don’t often see a lot of recalls, but this one caught my eye on Google+ a little while ago.

Echo blower

ECHO Recalls Backpack Blowers Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Gas Powered Backpack Blower

Units: About 16,000

Manufacturer: ECHO Inc., of Lake Zurich, Ill.

Hazard: The fuel line between the fuel tank and carburetor could have been damaged during assembly leading to fuel leakage, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Read entire recall notice

Photo: Wisteria in the sun

Our wisteria vines have sprung into leaf this week. It is always quite amazing how quickly they can go from dead looking stems to luxurious growth. No flowers this year, unfortunately, but I hope removing a tree recently might give them enough light to flower next year.

Wisteria in the sun

Wisteria in the sun Wisteria in the sun Wisteria in the sun Wisteria in the sun

Recycle: Pallet trellis for vegetable garden climbers

I love to see folks reusing and recycling old materials and this pallet trellis looks to be as simple as they come. Attach some supports to the side and you have a trellis for growing cucumbers, squash and just about anything else that likes to climb.

pallet-trellis

 

Striking Photo of Lavender Fields and Farmhouse

I came across this photo on Pinterest.com and was struck by the amazing colors.

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Source: tumblr.com via Douglas on Pinterest

 

 


Photo: Pond at Japanese Garden



Pond, originally uploaded by dewelch.

I have been using Flickr to share my photos since 2004 and have over 5,300 photos there which have been viewed over 33,000 times. I’ll be re-visiting some of my favorite pictures and also those most popular with other Flickr users.

This is one of the most popular garden-related posts in my Flickr Photostream. It is at the Japanese garden in Glendale, California where the previous photo was taken. See that post for links to more photos and the information for the site.

Photo: “Shoseian” Whispering Pine Teahouse & Friendship Garden in Glendale, CA

I have been using Flickr to share my photos since 2003 and have over 5,300 photos there which have been viewed over 33,000 times. I’ll be re-visiting some of my favorite pictures and also those most popular with other Flickr users.

Tea Room

Tea Room

“Shoseian” Whispering Pine Teahouse & Friendship Garden info from the City of Glendale

 

 

Photo: Matilija Poppy at Theodore Payne Foundation of Wildflowers and Native Plants

I have been using Flickr to share my photos since 2003 and have over 5,300 photos there which have been viewed over 33,000 times. I’ll be re-visiting some of my favorite pictures and also those most popular with other Flickr users.

Matiija Poppy

Matilija poppy

I took this shot at the Theodore Payne Foundation of Wildflowers and Native Plants in Sun Valley, CA. I was there looking at their nursery for natives to plant in my own garden and found many of these springing up naturally in the area. The crepe paper like look of their petals almost makes them look like artificial plants, but the large honey bee in the center of this shot shows that it is indeed real.

These poppies can grow quite large. This one was about the size of a dinner plate from one edge of the white petals to the other.