68.1 F
Scotts Valley
July 1, 2025

Controlling diseases and pests on fruit trees

the mountain gardener
I love it when a nice reader takes the time to call me to suggest a topic they’d like to see me write about or remind them what needs to be done at a certain time of year. Take Helen, who lives in Spring...

Setting the Record Straight

Bruce McPherson
Recent information circulating in our community regarding both rail lines within Santa Cruz County has caused quite a stir. As many members of the public are aware, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) owns the rail corridor stretching from Watsonville to north...

The Mountain Gardener | The Wonderful World of Wisteria

Wisteria are one of those vines that you either long for or lament ever having planted. They are all fragrant with a delicious sweet scent that varies from faint to strong to almost overpowering. Bees and hummingbirds love them. Here are some tips to...

Making a holiday wreath

jan nelson mountain gardener
You can have chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose, but what would the holidays be without a beautiful wreath to decorate the door? Maybe you want to put together a swag for the mantle or candle holder...

Allergy mitigation landscaping

Jan Nelson The Mountain Gardener
According to historical records for our area the pollen count is mostly moderate in February. Depending on the weather, Pollen.com and Pollenlibrary.com show medium to high counts only for a few days this month. If you’re an allergy sufferer you don’t need a website...

Here we go again: Director’s resignation hurts community

Residents of the San Lorenzo Valley are blessed in many ways. The beauty of our surroundings greets us each day; our neighbors are generally kind and helpful, and, well, neighborly. Employees of local shops and restaurants know our names, our favorite drinks or our...

Letters to the Editor

Santa Cruz policies not to blame for homeless issues

OPINION | Where There’s Smoke: Felton Fire Faces Turmoil Amid Allegations, Resignations

felton fire firetruck
Since 1935, Felton Fire Protection District (FFPD) has had a storied history of excellence in its care for the community and engagement with its constituents. District members were known for their timely responsiveness, accommodating nature and continued support of and involvement in events within the...

Stop the bait-and-switch with your tax dollars, save Scotts Valley Police Department

letters to the editor
By Scotts Valley Police Officers’ Association  Our fellow community members, tax payers and friends, your dedicated Police Officers’ Association can no longer remain silent about a lack of transparency regarding the critical status of your police department, the dramatic decrease in services (resulting in spiking...

The Mountain Gardener | Oh, Deer! Part I

Deer
I thought my plants were safe from deer. Because most of my sunny spots are in front, I planted lots of colorful annuals and perennials out there. Then a couple months ago, all my snapdragon flower spikes were eaten overnight. I was stymied. I...

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Drainage improvement project on Highway 236 begins next week

The installation and replacement of new drainage pipes on Highway 236, from Boulder Brook Drive to Chipmunk Hollow Road in Boulder Creek, will begin...