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I get a lot of calls from homeowners who need help seeing their property through new eyes. Maybe they've lived there for a long time but the landscaping needs an update. Or maybe they're just moving in and the landscaping has been neglected for a while. Whatever the reason, there are techniques I use to bring out the best in a space.

Love, intrigue, comedy, talent! It's all about planning and strategy, or so it seems in Mountain Community Theater's latest production, “The Beaux' Stratagem,” an adaptation of British playwright George Farquhar's Restoration comedy written in 1707. Thornton Wilder began this delightful, updated adaptation in the 1930’s which, at the request of his estate, was completed by Ken Ludwig in 2004.

Several years ago I was invited to tour a beautiful garden in the hills above Scott Valley High School. Robby Frank was more than eager to share his techniques for gardening in deer country. He was also in a personal battle with gophers and moles and I affectionately bestowed upon him the title, serial mole killer. I am happy to report that Robby has won the war on all fronts. His garden is more lush than ever, and with that comes the ongoing dilemma of saving water in the landscape especially in this time of drought. He solved the problem by installing a Smart Irrigation Controller and has been so pleased with the results he's on a Smart Irrigation crusade to educate fellow gardeners. Here's his story.