Reduce the amount you water your lawn

Reduce the amount you water your lawn

Water the lawn only when needed Step on the grass; if it springs back up when you move your foot, it does not need water.  The Water Authority recommends watering just one day per week in March, two days per week in April and May, three days per week in the summer,...
Hand watering hose tips

Hand watering hose tips

Use shut-off nozzles on hoses Shut-off nozzles completely turn off the water when you are not using it. Install a hose watering system If you are not ready to invest in an inground irrigation system there are automatic hose systems available. Instead of dragging your...
Planting Tips for Raised beds

Planting Tips for Raised beds

Many homeowners are interested in planting in raised beds. It can be great for homeowners who worry about their soil. Planting in raised beds allows you to add the exact soil you want. Another popular reason is the interesting visual element the raised bed will...
Summer Blooming Lavender

Summer Blooming Lavender

The genus Lavandula is a favorite group of ornamental herbs native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. These are sun-loving plants that thrive in hot weather and grow well in the West in a wide range of soils, even compost-enriched garden loams, as long as they...
Flower Fitness

Flower Fitness

Many flowers will bloom longer or bloom again after a short rest if the spent flower stems are removed once the blossoms fade. Wildflowers such as Penstemon may be longer-lived if the spent flower stems are removed before the plants put energy into producing seeds....