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The San Lorenzo River crested at 24 feet just before Christmas and now flows with ease through the valley. The river flows have been high, but the water color is clear and the flow is healthy. And the big rains of December brought large steelhead from Central to Northern California.

Lavender, a member of the mint family, is found across Europe, the Mediterranean, north and eastern Africa, southwest Asia to southeast India and fits right into our similar environment. Everybody has their favorite type. Mine happens to be a compact English variety called Hidcote but there are hundreds available including a new, tough, variegated one called ‘Meerlo’. Here’s how to grow yours so it flourishes and doesn’t end up woody and spindly.

His famous cousin would probably have arrived in Ben Lomond on a water-smooth silvery stallion, but Frederick A. Cody rode in on the train. Admittedly, Buffalo Bill was a distant cousin, but F. A. Cody probably profited from the connection. A traveling sales specialist for an electric light company, he provided systems for small cities, and also promoted stock companies to fund them. During an extended stay in Mexico, Cody carefully built up his capital nest egg, waiting for an opportunity like that offered by D. W. Johnston, who was ready to unload his property in Ben Lomond.

Spring might have officially started mid-March but judging from the wonky weather it was hard to tell. We did experience a “Miracle March” complete with a pretty good dose of needed rainfall along with some very cold weather. You never know what to expect in March around here.

There's a gentle guy with a beautiful garden among us in Scotts Valley — who's a serial killer. A killer of moles, that is.

This last winter’s great storm took its toll on my life as it once had been. My beloved Hubby Norman passed from this life during the height of this storm, leaving me bereft and full of doubts. “How could I have let this happen, how could I have let him leave me”? Those words kept repeating over and over in my mind.

We can't control those pesky weed seeds that blow into our gardens and take hold. There are ways to keep them from taking over, however. But what about those invasive plants that are already in our gardens like ivy and vinca major? What's the best way to deal with them? Then there are plants we buy ourselves that can invade natural areas. Are there better plants to use that are just as attractive and useful? Here are some solutions to make your garden happy.