~ A somewhat autobiographical look at how plants have impacted my life ~
We’re Having a Heatwave
The weather in San Diego experienced extreme heat and humidity from July through September, culminating in a record-breaking six-day heatwave in early October. Though a tropical storm brought much-needed rain, many plants suffered distress, showing signs like wilting and yellowing leaves. The heat caused chlorophyll breakdown, revealing other pigments and stressing roots, impacting nutrient transport. Various plants, including agaves and hibbertias, sustained damage, with some dying due to excessive sun exposure. Conversely, tropical plants in shaded areas thrived. As autumn approached, signs of seasonal change and the beneficial rain provided hope for recovery.
Gopher Madness
This is the start of the 5th year I’ve been writing the series “My Life with Plants”. For anyone that knows me or has visited my garden, what they may find amazing is that in all those articles I’ve only
Planting the Casita
By late winter of 2003, we were ready to begin planting. Since purchasing the house in 1998, I had been contemplating what to plant. I observed the sun and shadow patterns carefully over several seasons and decided on the following
Downward March
The post details a garden project on a steep hillside, involving the creation of pathways, retaining walls, and seating areas for better accessibility. The author describes discovering and utilizing materials from previous construction, such as rocks and concrete, to enhance
Pool Be Gone
By 2000, we had finished most of the renovations inside the house. Initially, one of our main goals was to address the pool area, which had many issues. The most noticeable problem was that all the concrete block planters around
Seville’s Romantic Real Alcázar
In keeping with the themes of our garden exhibit at this year’s San Diego County Fair and the influence Spanish architecture and gardens had on the 1915 Panama-California exposition, it seemed appropriate to recap part of a cycling tour of
Steep Challenge
While we were working on remodeling the house, I was desperate to create a garden. However, there were a few challenges to overcome. First, most of the house is surrounded by walkways and patios leaving very little gardening space near
Lots of Blocks
A common question we receive about our garden is regarding the origin and builders of the retaining walls. Except for a few of the newer walls, all were constructed by me and my partner, Scott. We learned through trial and
Creating a Garden
Last month I wrote about finding and buying our current home in Mission Hills. However before we could move, we had to sell each of our houses. The spring of 1998 was the start of a housing boom and above
On the Move
I met Scott Borden in September of 1994. November of that year we visited Maui. In June of 1995 we spent my 40th birthday mountain biking and hiking in the eastern Sierras. By 1996, we were alternating spending weekends and
Raising the Roof
In 1983, the author bought a modest home in Encinitas, expecting to stay briefly. Instead, they renovated, adding a second floor and enhancing the garden while maximizing space. Updates included new balconies, an outdoor fireplace, and expanded patios, leading to
Holy Basil
The author reflects on their vegetable garden in Encinitas, detailing its raised beds made from railroad ties and the challenges of growing certain crops. They found success with tomatoes and various basil types, creating flavorful dishes and pesto. Over time,
Uncle Harry
The narrative reflects on the author’s family heritage, highlighting a watercolor painting by great-aunt Bess and the intriguing life of great-uncle Harry. Bess, who was deaf, created artwork despite her circumstances, while Harry, a passionate naturalist, authored a hiking booklet