Useful info for you about toxic holiday plants
I have a cat named Archer. He’s a little too vocal sometimes but thankfully, he doesn’t chew on plants. If he did or if small children were about during the holidays I’d be sure to put some of my holiday plants out of their...
Winter’s bold fruit
The Persimmon tree first caught my eye many years ago as I turned onto Highway 9 near my Ben Lomond home. Only minutes earlier I had been pondering about my choice of dessert for our annual Winter Solstice celebratory dinner.
This tree seems to magically...
Planting bare root edibles
Now is the time to add ornamentals and edibles like fruit, nuts, berries and vegetables while they’re available in bare root form. They are easy to plant, economical and establish quickly.
How delicious does a Sweet Treat Pluerry sound? This is a first of its...
Letters to the Editor, April 2
Fine line was crossed
Trust in the media is in decline. It’s one of the reasons our country finds itself more divided today than we have been in recent memory. One of the reasons for this erosion of trust is the softening of the traditional...
Getting out of your comfort zone
Let’s get out of our comfort zone when training. Many of us associate training as a chore or we need motivation to workout. Many of us stay in our comfort zone because it’s where we feel safe. Living in our comfort zone helps us...
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...
When good plants go bad-toxic holiday plants
With the holiday season upon us, I like colorful plants on my tabletop and window sill. But how safe are holiday plants for pets like my cat Archer and dog Sherman or for small children?
I have a beautiful poinsettia on the table and, soon,...
Rethink the lawn and save money too
Water is a precious and vital resource. Our bodies are about 60 percent water and our brain—a whopping 70 percent. Less than 1 percent of the water on the Earth, however, is suitable for human consumption. With the population increasing and the water supply...
Enriching the Soil With Cover Crops
Every drop of rain that hits bare soil is destructive. Over 3,000 years ago the Chinese protected their soil from erosion and increased fertility by planting cover crops. Early Nile Valley inhabitants also practiced this method of agriculture as did first century Romans. Lupines...
The effects of alcohol
The holiday season is a wonderful time for family gatherings and festive parties. The presence of alcoholic beverages is especially more prominent as we enjoy our eggnogs and toast in the New Year. Those who drink responsibly can appreciate the special holiday cheer while...
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...