Plain Talk About Food | I Have a Piggy Bank
Years ago, a dear friend upgraded me to a Piggy Bank as she was tired of watching me put my nickels and dimes into a mason jar after my weekly grocery shopping. Only nickels and dimes went into that jar, a habit I’ve had...
The Mountain Gardener Celebrates 900 Columns
Well, it’s come to this—my 900th column. Starting way back in October of 2005, my first column appeared in the newly combined San Lorenzo Valley Press and the Scotts Valley Banner, which was re-named the Press Banner. This is how it all got started.
My...
The Mountain Gardener | A Rose by Any Other Name
When Juliet tells Romeo that “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” she must have been referring to the Compassion rose. Actually, this line is not in the original version of Shakespeare’s play but was an edit in 1599, according to...
My Traveling Shoes
Taking my traveling shoes down from the top shelf of my closet, I was surprised to find almost two years of dust had collected on their shiny beaded tops. These shoes have walked me through airport, ship and train terminals for almost 10 years....
TherapyWorks | 5 Essential Elements of a Healthy Relationship
There’s no denying that relationships are hard. Maintaining connection and keeping the spark alive when life gets overwhelming and stressful can be hard. But with focus, attention and commitment, you can build and sustain a thriving relationship.
While no relationship is perfect, there are some...
Happy New Year
Seems like 2020 lasted for longer than just one year. I, for one, am hoping for a less eventful year in 2021. As the calendar turns to a new year these are some of my thoughts for 2020. Well maybe they’re the same thoughts...
Carrying our resiliency into 2021
By Bruce McPherson, County Supervisor
This year began like many other years—unpredictable but full of promise. What we experienced, managing twin crises, was a test of our ability to meet the moment and adapt for the future. Although we end 2020 fighting a renewed battle...
My Celtic Cross
The Irish believe the Celtic cross represents the human desire to discover and experience the mystery of life. This cross symbolizes it as a compass, guiding us through our spiritual journey.
My window looks out onto my garden where a 3-foot-tall concrete Celtic Cross is...
The Mountain Gardener | Get Your Bare-Root Edibles Now
The other day I visited three local nurseries to see what’s new in their bare root edible selection. In addition to the classics, I found a ton of new varieties for containers and smaller home gardens.
Now is the time to add ornamentals and edibles...
Plain Talk About Food | A Watched Pot Never Boils
Benjamin Franklin, during the late 17th century, coined the phrase, “A watched pot never boils.” I am sure each of us has uttered that phrase at least once in our lifetime. I know I have, more than once this last month during our, let’s...
Paddy Smith Park blooms with new garden at Santa Cruz County...
The beautiful Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds are growing even more beautiful thanks to a colorful landscaping project at Paddy Smith Park.
Jeff Rosendale, with Sierra...