Columns

Most of us would love to have a garden containing all California native plants growing happily in an ecosystem where everybody wins—birds, bees, insects, wildlife and us, of course. Our garden would contain flowers, shrubs, grasses, ground covers and trees all providing food, water,...

Uniting a community in colorful celebration is no small task. It takes a community of hard workers, creative spirits and fun-seeking individuals to weave the tapestry of the upcoming Art, Wine & Beer Festival in Scotts Valley. For years, this event has brought families, dog...

We’ve all been there—you know someone is going through a hard time, and you want to help, but you’re not sure what to do or say. You don’t want to make it worse. You don’t want to overstep. So sometimes, we do nothing. We...

Every garden I visit these days has at least one gorgeous rhododendron in full bloom. They can’t help but be spectacularly covered with those huge flower trusses. They sure make you stop and take notice. I still miss the two old ones I had...

By Colly Gruczelak, Plain Talk About Food Pulling the last tray of maraschino cookies from the oven I noticed that darkness was descending on our Ben Lomond neighborhood and I worked quickly to finish my cleanup. Settling into a chair in front of my kitchen...

Most of us around here either live in a forest or near one. We are no strangers to nature as some city dwellers might be. We often spend time on a trail. You know the feeling you get when you are out walking slowly...

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” —Eleanore Roosevelt My traveling shoes had taken me to Washington State; I was on my way to my hometown of Aberdeen for a class reunion. While waiting in the train station in Lacey, I had purchased a...

“The soil is made of butterfly wings, dinosaur teeth, pumpkin seeds, lizard skins and fallen leaves. Put your hands in the soil and touch yesterday and all that will be left of tomorrow shall return so that new life can celebrate this day.” —Betty...

Every year I vow to add more California natives to my little garden. Problem is I don’t have much sun, which is great on a hot day, but not so great for plant growth. Sure there are lovely native plants that are tolerant of...

It has proven itself true—that one alone is on a walk, but two together are going somewhere—and our nonprofit, Damians Ladder, has shown this to be a perfect example of “partnering,” going somewhere together. As a small child, my aunt and uncle would take me...