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Scotts Valley
January 15, 2025

The Mountain Gardner: Some trees provide shade quickly

Midsummer heat can be brutal. Without shade from trees, the sun can turn a garden from an oasis into a spot not fit for man or beast. If you need to plant a tree that grows really fast and will provide shade quickly, consider one of the following. They’ll sprout 2 to 4 feet in a single year with good care.

Off hours: Our vaunted health care system

Editor’s Note: This column is the first of a two-part series.

Gone Fishin’: Plenty of fish in the sea these days

Summer is here, and most types of fishing are in full swing.

New Faces

Emma J Rose Johnston was born at 8 p.m. June 19, 2009, to Jennifer Ann Bepristis of Felton. She weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces at Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital.

The scoop on Tylenol

I’ve had patients voicing their concerns recently about a “recall” of Tylenol products.

Nature Friendly: Rincon – the bend in the San Lorenzo River

What is it about a river that loves its bend?

Andrews, Hearn marry

Justin John Andrews of Mount Hermon and Courteney Regina Hearn of San Jose were married Aug. 23, 2008, and have made their home in San Lorenzo Valley following a honeymoon to Kauai, Hawaii.

The Mountain Gardener: Get a little wild in the garden

I confess — I’m a lazy gardener. In July, my idea of working in the garden consists of removing seed pods from the fuchsias and trimming a few parsley and basil sprigs for dinner. I don’t have to spend time spraying for harmful insects and diseases, because the birds and other creatures I encourage in my garden provide natural pest control. Having wildlife in the garden saves time and money, too.

Off Hours: Wet summer fun with kids

No doubt about it, some things just go together. Peanut butter and jelly, milk and cookies, spaghetti and meatballs, macaroni and cheese, bees and honey — you get the picture.

The Mountain Gardner:

Whether you grow a full-blown vegetable garden or a few herbs and edible flowers in containers, celebrate this Fourth of July by serving a menu created with produce harvested from your own garden.

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Roadwork

Final paving, striping on Highway 9 continues this week

A major maintenance paving project continues on Highway 9 between El Solyo Heights Drive in Felton and California Drive in Ben Lomond. Travelers on Highway...