Tomatoes Grown at Home

Ripe Tomatoes
More on the Way
Finally. The first tomatoes of the season grown entirely in my garden. I cheated a bit with an earlier plant which had quite a few green tomatoes on the vine when I purchased it. It never felt right to enjoy those tomatoes. Now, I have had the thrill of picking tomatoes grown entirely in my garden. Lunch today: BLT!

Autumn Bounty

If adding orange to the home decor doesn't fit your design aesthetic, try the white pumpkin this year as Halloween season comes upon us.

Succulents Popular Indoors and Outdoors

With the focus on water wise planting in California, I've been watching a trend develop over the past few seasons. Succulents are becoming a prominent plant group both indoors and out.

Raised Bed for Herbs and Lettuces

A recent visit to Roger's Gardens allowed me to discover this beautiful raised bed vignette. Three different units were displayed. Each was a different size and height.

Typical to Roger's Gardens, which has style and flair to spare, the beds were planted beautifully with lettuces and herbs. Even the smallest of the three beds would allow for the gourmet home chef to have ample herbs for cooking and delicate greens for salads and garnishes.

Lion's Tail

I recently planted a lion's tail plant in my garden to provide late summer/fall color. I love the flower: furry and orange. Great for a shock of color in my border. The progression of the bloom is interesting to watch. First the flower ball appears. It is very geometrical and interesting. Soon, small orange dots appear. Finally, like a firework explosion on the fourth of July, the furry "tails" appear. Ka-Boom!

Bonus: Once established, low water user.

Sugar Snap Peas

I've started my fall, cool weather planting. I purchased 15 sugar snap peas from Roger's Gardens and this morning (very early) I built a climbing trellis for them. I like to use bamboo (one pole vertical and one pole at an angle lashed together for stability). Next, I use jute twine to create the climbing trellis.

Cucumber--Staying Cool in the Shade

The cucumber plant has been growing and tucked away under all of the leaves is this lovely specimen. I think a pickled cucumber salad is in my future.